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EDMONTON — Alberta RCMP are highlighting online safety as their monthly focus for November, urging Albertans to think carefully about what they share and how they interact on the internet.
Police say online activity has become so routine that many people forget it can carry real world risks. As part of the campaign, RCMP are offering reminders about protecting personal information, avoiding scams and recognizing behaviours that could lead to criminal consequences.
Officers encourage people to keep social media details to a minimum, adjust privacy settings and turn off location services unless sharing with someone they know and trust. They also warn that photos and videos shared online can spread widely and may remain accessible long after being deleted.
RCMP say cyberbullying, harassment and threats can have serious impacts and may result in charges. They recommend accepting friend requests only from people you know, noting that online identities are not always truthful. Police also urge caution with unsolicited messages, suspicious links and unfamiliar websites.
Parents are encouraged to speak openly with their children about their online lives and the risks they may face, including cyberbullying, sextortion and inappropriate content. RCMP suggest setting clear rules around screen time, keeping devices in shared family spaces and using parental control software to limit access to age appropriate material.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by fraud is urged to contact local police and the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501. Officials say compromised personal or financial information should also be reported to banks and credit card companies.
RCMP say the goal of the monthly safety focus is to remind Albertans that online habits matter and that informed choices can reduce the risk of harm.
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