(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is urging all parents to speak to their children about the dangers of Self-Peer Exploitation after the Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit conducted an investigation in Norfolk County, Ontario.
There has been a marked increase in the number of reports involving youth sending sexually explicit images or videos over the internet to peers. This is called self-peer exploitation. It is also known as sexting.
The OPP is concerned about the safety of those involved, and wants to create a greater awareness about the issue and what can be done if a teen finds themselves overwhelmed with the reality of their actions.
Teens need to realize the long and short term dangers of sending out photographs of themselves. Those who distribute it also need to be aware of the criminal ramifications of doing so.
On Monday, January 12, 2015, police received as complaint and began investigating an incident of child pornography.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2015, police arrested and charged an 18 year old male, 17 year old female and a 16 year old female with distribution of child pornography.
All are to appear in Provincial Court, Simcoe at a later date to answer to the charges.