A 2025 global study found 1 in 12 youth experience online sexual exploitation, while U.S. data shows 1 in 7 engage in tech-facilitated sexual exchanges. In Canada, reports of online child sexual exploitation rose 59% in one year, with girls aged 12–17 most at risk. Prevention starts with education.

The porn industry is rapidly shifting toward AI-generated content, targeting youth through accessible, customizable, and legally gray platforms. This article urges parents to lead with facts, not fear.

Trafficking in Canada often starts with grooming, not abduction. Teens are lured, manipulated, and controlled, often online, then forced into crime, sex work, and silence through fear and shame.

Teens are being groomed into the online sex trade, sometimes by peers. Learn the warning signs, how grooming works, and how to respond with empathy, vigilance, and informed action.

AI influencers are becoming as popular as real ones, with many youth unable to tell the difference, or simply not caring. These avatars are crafted to sell, not connect. Parents must teach kids to think critically, ask questions, and understand how digital personas shape opinions and behaviour.

Teens form deep online bonds—even with people they've never met. Dismissing them risks trust. Learn the difference that matters.

AI deepfake voices now mimic emotion and context, posing risks for all—especially blind users. Trust must be verified, not just heard.

AI deepfakes now mimic people in live video chats. Use simple tests to verify identity and protect against scams and sextortion.

Apple and Google warn teens of nudity in messages, but their tools are easy to bypass and fail to truly prevent digital sexual harm or support victims.

Today’s youth live seamlessly in digital and physical worlds; guiding them requires calm, informed, and empathetic responses—not fear or panic.

Google's AI chatbot Gemini is now accessible to kids under 13 by default, raising safety concerns and putting responsibility on parents after the fact.

Fear-based panic over youth and tech hinders real understanding—parents must choose curiosity and guidance over blame to truly support kids today.

Teens aren’t tech-zombies—they want guidance, not bans. They’re using tech thoughtfully and ask adults to engage, not judge, in their onlife journey.

Teens are often first to hear when a peer is in crisis—teach them to act with empathy, courage, and know when to involve a trusted adult.

Energy drinks may seem harmless, but for teens they can trigger heart issues, seizures, and poor sleep—talk to your gamer about safer options.

Not all kids have adults protecting them online—Duty of Care laws are needed to hold Big Tech accountable for building safer platforms for all youth.

“Stranger danger” is outdated—today’s threats are often friendly and online. Teach kids to assess behavior, trust instincts, and seek help, not just avoid strangers.

TikTok’s algorithm can funnel teens—especially boys—toward adult content and subscription platforms like OnlyFans; parents must stay aware, involved, and talk early.

Discord isn’t built for child safety—parents must stay involved, set rules, and guide kids through risks like explicit content, grooming, and weak age checks.

Today’s internet doesn’t wait for kids to find danger—it pushes it to them. Teach youth how algorithms work so they scroll with awareness, not passivity.