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Online safety and bullying

Maskwacis RCMP offer safety tips as kids return to school

Aug 31, 2026 | 9:57 AM

Maskwacis RCMP say that safety isn’t a plan; it’s a mindset as students return to school.

As a result, they’re sharing safety tips for the school year for students and parents.

“The Maskwacis RCMP Community Policing and General Duty members will be in the schools throughout the year working with students and staff. The health, safety, and well-being of our youth is a priority, and no form of bullying will be tolerated in any of the schools or school buses,” said A/Cpl Catlin Chiasson, Maskwacis Information Officer, in a media release.

They urged people to protect personal information, including never sharing full names, ages, phone numbers, schools, or home addresses online. Parents should also always check what is in the background of photos, as it may have personal information.

Children should also be reminded that online friends may not be who they say they are, as predators often use fake profiles. Kids should be instructed to never meet someone online in person. They should immediately report any request to meet an online acquaintance in person.

Police say children should be taught that content posted online is permanent and can impact future opportunities. Bullying online is also very real and affects people in different ways.

The RCMP added that parents should monitor device use and keep computers and tablets in high-traffic, public areas of the home rather than bedrooms.

Parents should also routinely review online activity, such as on apps and direct messaging features on their child’s connected devices. For extra safety, parental controls can be set up through your internet service provider or device operating systems to block inappropriate content.