Online Safety

• “The Com” – short for “The Community” – is an online network of bad actors who target, groom, and exploit children and youth. They operate across gaming platforms, messaging apps, and social media, and use tactics like manipulation, intimidation, and secrecy to influence young people.

• Children and youth between 8 and 17 years old are most frequently targeted. Offenders look for young people who are active on gaming platforms, social media, or apps with private messaging features.

• “The Com” operates across widely used platforms, including:

  • Discord
  • Telegram
  • Roblox
  • Minecraft
  • Twitch
  • Steam
  • Any platform with messaging, chat rooms, or voice chat can be exploited.

Criminal activities reported include:

• Grooming and coercion of minors
• Swatting and hoax emergency threats
• Extortion and sextortion, including coercing minors to share nude images
• Cyber crimes, such as cryptocurrency theft and ransomware activity
• Real-world violence or threats of violence

Law enforcement has also identified specific subsets:

• “Hacker Com” – focused on cybercrime
• “IRL Com” – involved in in‑person violence.

They may:

• Pretend to be peers or friends
• Offer gifts, status, or attention
• Use secrecy, shame, or fear to control victims
• Threaten to share images or information
• Build trust before introducing harmful requests

Watch for clusters of unusual behaviours, such as:

• Using encrypted apps without your knowledge
• Withdrawal, secrecy, mood swings, or declining grades
• Increased late‑night or unsupervised online time
• New online “friends” your child seems overly attached to or afraid of
• Anonymous gifts, digital currency, or unexplained purchases
• Sudden interest in violent or extreme online content
• Unexplained injuries or covering skin

One sign alone may not be cause for alarm—but multiple signs together may indicate risk.

Yes. Parents should:

• Have access to their child’s accounts
• Review friend lists, chat histories, and recent activity
• Understand the platforms, games, and apps their child uses
• Be especially mindful of apps with private messaging or voice chat
  Monitoring should be paired with trust-building, not secrecy or fear.

If you see suspicious activity or believe your child may be interacting with harmful individuals:

1. Do not confront the suspect yourself.
2. Capture screenshots or save evidence, if safe to do so.
3. Contact Durham Regional Police Service immediately.
   Even small details may help prevent harm to another child.

• Stay calm and reassure them they are not in trouble
• Let them know you’re proud they came forward
• Do not delete conversation history, images, or messages—they may be important for police
• Contact DRPS for support and guidance

• Stay informed about the platforms your child uses
• Have clear expectations about online behaviour
• Use parental controls where appropriate
• Place computers and devices in common areas when possible
• Encourage healthy offline activities and balance

If you notice any concerning online activity or individuals on online platforms that may pose a safety risk, report it to DRPS. 

Do not delete anything.
Save screenshots, messages, usernames, or links if possible. Do not confront the offender.

• DRPS non-emergency line: 1‑888‑579‑1520
• In an emergency: Call 9‑1‑1 immediately

Even small details can be critical in protecting other children from being targeted.