Young people spend a large part of their lives online, whether they are texting friends, using social media, playing games, or chatting through apps. While these platforms can help them connect and learn, they can also create risks that many families do not fully see until it is too late.
One of those risks is online luring.
According to recent public safety messaging from the Winnipeg Police Service, there has been growing concern around individuals using platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, and other online spaces to communicate with youth for harmful purposes. These interactions can begin in ways that seem casual or harmless, which is why awareness matters.
What is online luring?
Online luring happens when someone communicates with a young person through technology, such as messaging apps, games, websites, or social platforms, in order to gain trust and make it easier to commit an offence against them.
It often does not begin with obvious warning signs. In many cases, the communication may look friendly, supportive, or age-appropriate at first. That is part of what makes it dangerous.
Why this matters
Many young people are active online every day, but they may not always recognize when a conversation crosses a line. They may also feel unsure, embarrassed, or afraid to speak up if something feels wrong.
That is why prevention starts with open, ongoing conversations at home.
Young people need to know:
- not everyone online is who they claim to be
- private messages can quickly become unsafe
- manipulation can look like friendship, attention, compliments, or secrecy
- what is happening is never their fault if someone targets or pressures them
How parents and caregivers can help
There is no single solution, but there are practical steps families can take to reduce risk and stay informed.
1. Set clear expectations for online use
Work with young people to create simple rules around texting, social media, gaming, and direct messaging. Make expectations clear and age-appropriate.
2. Know the usernames and passwords tied to accounts
Parents and caregivers should know what platforms their children are using and how those accounts are set up. This helps create accountability and allows adults to step in if needed.
3. Learn the parental controls on each platform
Many apps, games, and devices include privacy settings, content controls, and safety features. Taking time to understand them can make a real difference.
4. Review followers, friends, and connections regularly
A quick review of who is following, messaging, or interacting with a young person can help spot unfamiliar or suspicious accounts early.
5. Stay connected on the platforms they use
When appropriate, follow or connect with young people on the apps they use most. This can help you stay aware of their online environment without relying only on occasional check-ins.
What conversations should families have?
Young people should know what online exploitation can look like and what to do if they feel uncomfortable.
That includes helping them understand:
- they should not keep secret online relationships from trusted adults
- they should be cautious when someone asks for personal information, photos, or private conversations
- pressure, threats, flattery, and requests for secrecy are warning signs
- they can always come to a trusted adult without fear of blame
The goal is not to create fear. The goal is to build awareness, confidence, and trust.
What to do if something feels wrong
If a young person may have been targeted, take it seriously.
Helpful first steps include:
- stop contact with the individual
- save screenshots, messages, usernames, and any other evidence
- report the situation to police using the non-emergency line if appropriate
- report through Cybertip.ca or Winnipeg Crime Stoppers when relevant
If there is immediate danger or a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
A final reminder
Online safety is not a one-time conversation. It is an ongoing part of protecting young people in a digital world that changes quickly.
The more informed parents, caregivers, and communities are, the better equipped they are to notice warning signs early and respond in a way that supports young people without shame or blame.
Awareness matters. Conversations matter. Action matters.
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