By Matthew Murray [1]
BELLEVILLE – The OPP is asking the public to be careful when sharing and sending online content.
It’s part of an effort in support of Safer Internet Day [2] on Tuesday.
Safer Internet Day began in 2004 as part of a European Union initiative and has since spread to over 100 countries. The goal is to promote safe and responsible use of technology, especially for children and youth.
Cyberbullying has become one of the growing concerns with the internet and mobile devices, police say. Cyberbullying happens when computers and other devices are used to threaten, embarrass or harass someone, and the OPP say that it is something that is happening more and more each day. “Sexting,” or creating, sending and sharing sexual images and videos over the internet is another increasing concern, police say.
Police are encouraging everyone to join in on the “T.H.I.N.K. b4 U Send” campaign. The T.H.I.N.K test should be applied, police say, before sending messages or photos online. The test involves asking;
T. is it true?
H. is it hurtful?
I. is it illegal?
N. is it necessary?
K. is it kind?
If it doesn’t pass the test, police say the message could be breaking the law.