NAPS Report

Spike in cyberbullying major concern within northern communities

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is issuing a public safety advisory about ongoing and increasing incidents of cyberbullying.
In recent weeks, NAPS has observed an apparent spike in incidents related to cyberbullying in many of the 34 Northern Ontario communities it serves. This is incredibly alarming, especially because of the known links between cyberbullying and youth suicide.
The public has become more aware of this connection following the highly publicized and tragic case of Amanda Todd, who faced intense cyberbullying before she died to suicide in 2012.
Suicide rates are an estimated six times higher for First Nations youth compared to non- Indigenous youth in Canada. In remote and far north communities, these rates are believed to be 11 times higher.
NAPS would like to encourage parents, teachers, and guardians to speak to their children about cyberbullying and its potentially tragic consequences.
If you believe your child is a victim of cyberbullying, please report it to your community’s NAPS detachment.
These incidents will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.