B.C. premier to push for more protections for youth, after talking to dad of 12-year-old sextortion victim
Father of Prince George boy chose to speak out to warn other families about online dangers
WARNING: This story contains details about suicide.
British Columbia Premier David Eby says an emotional conversation with the father of a 12-year-old B.C. boy who died by suicide after falling prey to online sextortion has prompted him to push for more protections for youth.
Eby says the B.C. New Democrat government plans changes in the new year honouring the memory of Carson Cleland of Prince George, whom police said died in October after being victimized online.
The preteen took his own life on Oct. 12 and investigators have since determined his actions were in response to online sextortion, according to an RCMP news release. Police are still working to identify a suspect.
Sextortion is a practice of demanding money or sexual favours from someone by threatening to expose intimate images and videos of the victim, or other evidence of online sexual activity.
The premier says he spoke with Carson's father who told him that since their son's death, the family has been contacted by the families of three of his classmates, who said their children were also talking online with strangers.
His remarks come in a year-end interview, during which the premier said Carson's family are facing devastating loss this holiday season but demonstrated remarkable courage by going public with their tragedy.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: The helpline is a short, easy-to-remember number to get a quick response from coast to coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge. You can also text this number 24/7.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
Corrections
- In an earlier version of this story, the Canadian Press incorrectly reported that David Eby had said his office had been contacted by parents whose children had shared photos with strangers online. In fact, Eby had spoken with the father of Carson Cleland who told him families had contacted Cleland to say their children had also shared photos with strangers online.Dec 22, 2023 1:02 PM PT
With files from CBC News