Staff at St. Timothy School are putting a strong focus towards educating their students about taking proper safety precautions when online.
In recent months, the Regina Police Service (RPS) held presentations at the school regarding safe online activity.
During the presentations, it was revealed that although many younger students don’t have smartphones, a large percentage of them regularly played online games with people they don’t know.
“We just want our parents to know about the dangers that are there, so that they can help their kids be safe online,” said Bill Weir, who is the principal of St. Timothy School.
Weir has been in the education sector for 28 years. He said with the rise of the internet and technology, every year comes with new challenges protecting students.
“When we hear these things, even though it’s not our stuff we still inform the parents, so they at least know and work with their kids,” he explained.
The RPS school resource program regularly meets with classrooms to speak about staying safe. They also cater to whatever current situation students may be dealing with.
Todd Jerome is the supervisor of the school resource program and said serious situations can begin through online gaming.
“There are people out there who are predators who go into these things. They start the process, grooming them, getting an address or cell phone,” he said.
Next week, St. Timothy School is hosting an event where parents can learn more about the potential dangers kids face while online.
Other Catholic schools in the area have been invited to attend.
“There are so many threats. We think it only happens in Vancouver or Toronto. It’s very real here as well,” Weir said.
