Incidents reported to ICE. (ALERT)

By David Opinko

troubling numbers

ALERT: Sharp rise in online child exploitation reports in March

Apr 21, 2020 | 12:52 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Parents across the province are being advised to closely monitor their childrens’ online activity.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) says there has been a sharp rise in online child exploitation.

Part of this is “likely related to digital dependency during COVID-19 isolation measures.”

ICE says they have experienced a record number of investigative referrals in the past month with 243 reported instances of online child exploitation in March.

Their two-year monthly average is 110.

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“With children being home from school, not only are they spending more time online, but it appears that so are the predators. And they are looking to take advantage of our most vulnerable population: our kids,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.

In the first three months of 2020, ICE made 21 arrests and laid 61 total charges across several large and small communities in Alberta. Four children were rescued from sexual exploitation, abuse, and/or instances of luring.

An official with ALERT could not confirm to LNN if any of these incidents occurred in Southern Alberta.

ICE is partnering with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) to warn parents and make sure resources are available.

“During these unprecedented times and higher than usual online connectivity, it is essential that we work together to educate to the public on the risks and ways to reduce harm to children while online,” says Signy Arnason, Associate Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “Cybertip.ca has seen an increase in reporting involving offenders attempting to lure and sextort children through various chat and live streaming platforms. Now more than ever, parents/guardians must be vigilant in knowing who their children are connecting with online.”

CCCP has information on supporting families during the COVID-19 pandemic, including resources for families and caregivers, schools and educators, and child-serving organizations. More details here.

Child exploitation can be reported to CyberTip.ca