The Manitoba RCMP is warning parents about a violent online network that is targeting children and youth.
The group is called ‘The COM,’ and it manipulates young people, through online platforms and games, including Twitch, Telegram, Discord, Roblox and Minecraft.
According to the police, ‘The COM’ threatens, coerces, and extorts youth into serious acts of violence, including hurting themselves, other people or animals. It also encourages youth to engage in explicit acts or sexually exploit others.
‘The COM’ then threatens to publicly share that content, report the activity to the victim’s school or police, or threatens the security of the victim and their family members.
“Kids feel like they have to engage with these people who are engaging with them…That’s one of the biggest things is saying ‘no’ and having an out for that conversation,” said Cpl. Gord Olson with the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Warning signs to watch …