Caveat – Online child exploitation is a very real and present threat to our kids—something we take extremely seriously here at the White Hatter. As we always say, “one child targeted, is one too many.” Recently, however, some have used the newly released Statistics Canada Report to misrepresent the frequency of this crime in Canada to push an agenda. This article aims to provide a balanced perspective on what the numbers from the Stats Canada report actually mean.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in reports of child exploitation, particularly involving possession or trafficking of illicit materials online. This trend is reflected in the recent Statistics Canada report, “Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2023.”(1) – this report has now created headlines such as “Child pornography incidents increased by 52% in Canada last year”. However, it’s crucial to understand that this rise in reported cases does not necessarily indicate a proportional increase in the number of offenses occurring.
One key factor contributing to this increasing trend is that incidents are being reported more frequently. This increased reporting is largely due to heightened public awareness, education, and more proactive detection efforts by online service providers. The 2023 Statistics Canada report states:
“The increase in child pornography in 2023 was partially the result of more cases—current and historical—being forwarded to local police services due to increased public awareness about the topic and partnerships related to combatting and investigating child sexual exploitation and abuse on the Internet. These cases are subsequently reported as police-reported data.”
This perspective is supported by the “We Protect Org Global Threat Assessment 2021” (2):
“Increased reporting may not necessarily equate to a proportionate increase in offending: some may be due to increased public awareness and more proactive detection by online service providers.”
Education, and the diminished element of shame in reporting these crimes to police, have played a significant role in encouraging survivors to come forward. We have found the stigma associated with being a survivor has started to diminish. Survivors are now more likely to report their experiences without fear of judgment or shame, leading to an increase in the number of cases being reported. This shift is crucial for ensuring that offenders are caught and that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
As society becomes more educated about the signs and dangers of child exploitation, more people are stepping forward to report suspicious activities. Simultaneously, many companies that operate online platforms are investing in advanced technologies and practices to identify and report illicit content more effectively to law enforcement as well.
The number of online predators has not necessarily increased. Instead, the tools and opportunities available to them have evolved. There is no doubt that online predators now have easier access to potential targets because children are using the internet at younger and younger ages. This increased online presence has definitely made children more vulnerable to predation and exploitation. However, it also means that law enforcement and online service providers have also improved their methods for detecting and apprehending these criminals as well.
In today’s onlife world, parents and caregivers must be vigilant not only about their children’s online activities, but also about the information they consume online. Misinformation and sensationalism can distort the reality of issues such as child predation and exploitation, leading to unnecessary panic or complacency. By critically evaluating the sources of information and seeking out reliable, fact-based reports, parents can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to protect their children. Remember – staying educated and discerning about the who, what, where, when, how, and why of online predation and exploitation is essential in creating a safer and supportive environment for our kiddos. (3)
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Technology vs No Technology!
References:
1/ https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240725/dq240725b-eng.htm
3/https://thewhitehatter.ca/online-sexual-predation-and-exploitation/
