A new short documentary released by the Ontario Provincial Police is shedding light on what it says is one of the most disturbing and fast-growing threats facing children: online sexual exploitation.
Titled ”Protecting Innocence,” the film opens with the story of a mother and daughter who bravely speak out about their experience dealing with online abuse.
The video, which can be found on YouTube, is part of a wider effort under Ontario’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program, which is raising awareness about a crisis law enforcement says is escalating rapidly.
According to Det. Staff Sgt. Tim Brown, who leads the ICE strategy team, children today face risks that extend far beyond their physical environment.
“Children have no safety net on the internet,” Brown said. “Protecting them is our most fundamental responsibility as a society.”
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While internet and phone usage has become standard among younger kids, it also provides predators with unprecedented access to minors.
The OPP says they are …