Amidst an increase in sextortion reports in the Sea to Sky, local RCMP are promoting a cheeky campaign with a serious message.
In a news release issued on April 5, officers said the increase in sextortion appears to be targeted at male youth.
"We know that to keep our youth safe, we need to spread awareness and encourage an open dialogue so that our youth know they are not alone to navigate these tricky situations," said Cst. Katrina Boehmer of the General Investigation Section (GIS) in the release.
As a result, police are encouraging parents to have conversations with their children about their online activity.
However, these conversations can be awkward, so this is where humour can come in handy.
RCMP are promoting a new campaign from , Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
The site has created a tongue-in-cheek video for youth, encouraging boys to avoid sexting.
"You could send one of yourself," says the presenter in the video. "Or you could send a naked mole rat. Long, veiny and fleshy, the naked mole rat — you can call him Willy — looks a lot like that picture you were about to send. Except it's got two beady little eyes and four sharp little teeth at the tip. Oh — and it won't lead to sextortion."
After that remark, the presenter has this bit of advice for young men: "So the next time someone asks you for a nude, don't get sextorted. Send a naked mole rat instead."
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