EDMONTON — RCMP Federal Policing is urging parents, guardians and schools to watch for signs young people are being targeted by violent online groups.
The RCMP’s Northwest Region national security teams say extremist groups are increasingly using social media, messaging apps and online gaming platforms to reach youth.
Police say the shift to digital spaces has made it easier for violent groups to spread extremist messaging and influence young people.
RCMP pointed to an Alberta case involving a youth who was arrested last year after an investigation linked online activity to credible threats and ideologically motivated violent extremism.
The youth, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was sentenced in March to 19 and a half months of probation with 27 conditions and a two-year weapons prohibition.
RCMP say other investigations in Alberta and Saskatchewan have also involved youth, online content and threats associated with violent extremism.
Police say warning signs can include increased unsupervised internet use, secretive activity on encrypted apps, interest in extremist messaging, or a new online contact or group causing fascination or fear.
Parents are also encouraged to watch for clusters of concerning behaviour, including growing isolation, difficulty with peers or authority figures, and increased interest in weapons.
RCMP say families should have open conversations with youth and report concerns to local police, Cybertip.ca or the RCMP National Security Information Network.
Anyone who believes someone is in immediate danger should call 911.
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