Northern Ontario police sound alarm after spike in cyberbullying reports

A illuminated laptop keyboard with a darkened screen. (File photo/Security.org)

Canada’s largest First Nations police agency, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, is sounding the alarm after a recent spike in cyberbullying incidents in northern Ontario.

“In recent weeks, NAPS has observed an apparent spike in incidents related to cyberbullying in many of the 34 northern Ontario communities it serves,” said police in a news release Thursday.

“This is incredibly alarming, especially because of the known links between cyberbullying and youth suicide.”

Scott Paradis, a media coordinator with the police service, said 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,” he said.

Officers said the public has become more aware of the connection between suicide and cyberbullying since the “tragic case” of Amanda Todd in 2012.

READ MORE: A timeline of the Amanda Todd Investigation

Officers said they encourage parents, teachers and guardians to speak with their children about cyberbullying and its potentially tragic consequences.

Police officials said that anyone who believes their child may be a victim of cyberbullying is encouraged to report it to their community’s police department.

“These incidents will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated,” said police.