Police engaging local youth in a Smart Social discussion

The Calgary Police Service (CPS), Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and TELUS WISE have come together to raise awareness of cyber security, through the Smart Social campaign. This campaign, which is an initiative of TELUS WISE and the CACP, engages local 15 to 22 year olds and their schools in a discussion about cyber security and protecting their online reputation.

CPS School Resource Officers (SROs) will be distributing campaign materials to local schools in Calgary to promote the idea of being cyber safe, specifically relating to cyberbullying, sharing intimate images and identity theft. Webcam covers will also be provided to students to place over their smartphone, tablet or computer cameras when not in use.

“Technology is becoming increasingly more important in our everyday lives and cybercrimes often have lasting impacts on victims,” said Staff Sergeant Dominic Mayhew, CPS Youth Education Unit. “Kids have access to so many platforms these days and it’s important that we teach them how to have safe and positive experiences. This campaign provides us with another opportunity to share the message and raise awareness about cybercrime.”

SROs will also be encouraging students to participate in the TELUS WISE Instagram contest, in which students can share a photo online with a relevant cyber safety tip for a chance to win $1,000 for their school or a tablet for themselves.

For more information on the TELUS WISE Smart Social campaign, visit: https://wise.telus.com/en/2016/09/20/smart-social-campaign/