Alberta RCMP is sharing online safety information throughout September, warning youth and their families about the risks of online grooming and luring. According to an RCMP news release, grooming occurs when someone builds trust with a young person online in order to manipulate, exploit, coerce or abuse them. Police say grooming can be linked to sexual exploitation, financial exploitation, criminal activity, luring and other forms of control.

The RCMP said offenders often use flattery, attention, gifts and, emotional manipulation to gain a young person’s trust. Grooming can occur through social media, online communities, text messaging, gaming platforms, livestreaming services, and other digital platforms. While the RCMP release did not provide Alberta-specific grooming statistics, Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tipline for reporting online child sexual exploitation, says it processed 1,838 reports from Alberta in 2025.

The organization says 681 reports were forwarded to Alberta police or child welfare agencies for further action. The RCMP is advising young people to avoid sharing personal information online, including their full name, age, phone number, address, school, daily routines, usernames, passwords, and photos or videos. Police also recommend blocking anyone who makes them uncomfortable online and speaking with a trusted adult, parent, guardian, Elder or support person if they feel unsafe. “Adults play a vital role in helping young people stay safe online,” St.

Paul RCMP Const. Dustin Frick said in the release. “Offenders often rely on secrecy and manipulation to target youth. Parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults can help by talking openly about online risks, recognizing warning signs, and creating an environment where young people feel safe asking for help.” The RCMP is also urging parents and caregivers to monitor online activities, become familiar with the apps their children use, maintain open communication about online risks and watch for warning signs such as emotional changes, social withdrawal, unexplained gifts, increased secrecy or concerning relationships.

Anyone who believes a young person is being groomed online is encouraged to contact local police immediately. TWilkie@postmedia.com