By Sue-Ann Wayow
PARENTS are being urged to monitor children’s online activities in order to protect them from associated danger.
The advice comes from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) following the emergence of several Instagram accounts this weekend, which have been posting explicit images of minors and women, along with defamatory captions.
The TTPS in a media release on Monday asked parents to be vigilant about what their children post to social media, as seemingly innocent content can be used by cyber bullies and extortionists to target users.
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They were also advised to have open lines of communication with them about instances of cyber-bullying, so that the necessary and appropriate actions can be taken to protect them from such dangers.
The TTPS stated, “Let us continue to keep our children safe from online predators and criminals, by fostering healthy communication with them about the dangers of social media.”
Citizens are reminded to continue partnering with the TTPS by bringing these matters to the attention of the police and also reporting the offending accounts to the social media company.
The public was reminded that under Section 40 of the Children Act, Chapter 46:01 which states: that any person who knowingly made any child pornography or copy thereof; publishes, distributes, transmits or shows any child pornography, commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $30,000 and to imprisonment for ten years.
The Libel and Defamation Act, Chapter 11:16 states if any person maliciously publishes any defamatory libel, knowing the same to be false, he is liable on conviction to imprisonment for two years and to pay such fine as the Court directs.
The release stated that the Victim and Witness Support Unit of the TTPS stands ready to offer any psycho-social support needed by the victims of these crimes, if they should come forward to seek assistance.
Victims of these nefarious online activities are urged to seek the assistance of their parents and the police, by making an official police report of the matter urgently to the Special Victims Department of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service at 612-2470 Extensions- 16057/16058, by calling 999, 555, 800-TIPS or the nearest police station.
