Manitoba parents being warned of violent online network targeting kids

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 out for include drastic changes in your child’s behaviour, a new online friend they seem infatuated with or scared of, or the receipt of anonymous gifts.

“Parents should know what their children are doing online, especially the younger ones. If they’re under 13, they should be a little bit more involved in the child’s online activity,” Olson said.

If your child is being targeted, you should help them to end the online conversation immediately and contact police, RCMP or Cybertip.ca. Parents should also let their kid know that what happened is just a mistake and that they can move forward from the situation.

• With files from CTV’s Devon McKendrick.