RCMP in Queens County are considering charges after a 16 year-old boy allegedly sent an intimate image of himself to a 12 year-old girl.
Constable Rob James says police are in the early stages of the investigation but believe an image was shared through the snapchat application.
The boy also asked for an image in return but the girl didn’t comply and reported the incident.
It’s the latest local case involving intimate images.
Six Bridgewater teens are currently facing charges for sharing pictures of more than 20 girls without their consent.
James says it appears kids don’t understand the danger.
“It is almost a social ritual now, sending a picture of yourself to someone that you like and you’re not necessarily dating. It’s really hard to get that message across that you’re opening up a can of worms both legally and ethically.”
James believes it will take a collaborative effort from RCMP, schools and parents to educate kids on the subject.
“A lot of parents don’t fully understand how the internet works and/or are reluctant to invade the privacy of their kids. They are their child’s moral compass and until they leave home, they should be investigating what’s going on in their kids lives.”
In another case in Queens, a 14 year-old boy used snapchat to ask an 11 year-old girl for intimate images.
Police say the boy stated he would send images of himself in return.
The girl reported the incident and no pictures were exchanged.
Police issued a formal caution against the boy.
Meanwhile, Jeff DeWolfe, Director of Student Services with the South Shore Regional School Board says they’ve been teaching cyber safety in schools for the last decade.
“Student’s in our schools would hear about the perils of sharing images, they would be given stratagies about how to deal with that request if it came.”
DeWolfe says it’s encouraging to hear that these girls not only refused to send pictures but also reported the incident.
“In this case it seems that some of the students that didn’t respond, knew what to do. That’s very encouraging.”
He says it’s an indication that students are getting the message.
