Police are urging youth and families to think carefully before sending personal images through social media and messaging apps
Kingston Police are reminding youth and families about the risks of sharing personal images online and the lasting impact those decisions can have.
Police say sending intimate or private photos through Snapchat, text message, social media or other online platforms may seem harmless in the moment, but once an image is shared electronically, control over who sees it can quickly be lost.
According to police, images can be saved, copied, screenshot or shared without consent, potentially leading to emotional, social and legal consequences.
Officials are also reminding young people that receiving a private image does not give them permission to share it with others. Police say forwarding or posting someone else’s personal images without consent can cause significant harm and may result in criminal consequences.
Kingston Police encourage youth to think carefully before sharing photos online, use privacy settings and speak with a trusted adult if they feel pressured.
Parents and guardians are also being encouraged to have ongoing conversations about online safety, consent and respectful digital behavior.
Additional online safety resources are available through Protect Children and Cybertip.ca.
Story by Alyssa Brush
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