“Inappropriate material” being distributed in a Snapchat group at two elementary schools in Candiac, on Montreal’s South Shore, has forced local police to get involved. The Roussillon police department told CTV News that numerous images of unknown origin - and potentially employing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) - were being shared among several fifth- and sixth-grade students, aged 10 to 12, with or without consent. READ MORE: “The prevention unit worked in collaboration with school administrators and staff to raise awareness among students,” said Sandra Blouin, a community and media relations officer with Roussillon police. “Since several students were involved, a video produced by prevention officers was shared with them.” The force confirmed that it was first alerted to the situation by staff members at the schools. “This message serves as a reminder that the rules of respect apply just as much online as they do in person, and that actions taken online can have very real consequences,” said Blouin. She noted that “cases have been opened to document the reported incidents,” but no criminal investigation is underway. “Students were also informed that, depending on the circumstances, further interventions may be necessary, including individual meetings with police officers and the involvement of their parents,” Blouin said. “Each situation is assessed based on the reported facts and the needs of the young people involved.” A letter from the police department was also sent to parents to “encourage them to continue the discussion with their child.” “Our goal is to prevent the recurrence of such behaviour and to foster a safe and respectful environment,” said Blouin. “We encourage parents to take an interest in the apps their children use, the people they interact with and the groups they participate in.” Theoretically, Snapchat requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, but the police force insists that parental guidance remains essential to mitigate any risks to a child. “We encourage parents to talk with their children about consent, privacy and the importance of not sharing intimate or inappropriate content,” said Blouin. “It is also essential to encourage them to turn to a trusted adult if they receive content that makes them feel uncomfortable, if they are being pressured or if they witness a concerning situation.” Any parents with concerns about the situation are encouraged to contact Roussillon police.
