The RCMP is encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers to have open conversations with young people about cyber safety, warning that curiosity and online influences can sometimes lead youth into illegal online activity without them realizing the consequences.
Through its Cyber Choices initiative, the national police service says technology offers young Canadians countless opportunities to learn and build valuable skills, but those same digital spaces can also expose them to cybercrime, online recruitment and harmful behaviour if left unchecked.
The RCMP says helping youth understand the difference between responsible technology use and criminal activity is one of the most effective ways to keep them safe online.
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Why young people become involved in cybercrime
According to the RCMP, many youth who become involved in cybercrime do not begin with criminal intent. Instead, experimentation, gaming culture and online communities can gradually blur the line between harmless fun and illegal behaviour.
Police say tech-savvy teens may unknowingly cross legal boundaries while exploring coding or online systems. Others may be influenced by forums that glamorize hacking or encourage illegal challenges as a way to prove technical skills.
The RCMP also notes that some young offenders were previously victims of cyberbullying or online exploitation themselves and may turn to cybercrime as retaliation. In more serious cases, organized cybercriminal groups actively recruit youth by offering quick money, status or recognition online.
“Some young people don’t know that certain online actions, like trying to break into accounts or systems, are crimes with serious consequences,” the RCMP said.
Building positive cyber skills
Rather than discouraging an interest in technology, the RCMP says parents and educators should help channel those skills into positive opportunities.
Police encourage youth to learn about online laws, participate in coding clubs and cybersecurity competitions, and seek guidance from trusted adults or mentors when exploring technology.
The RCMP says ethical hacking events and cybersecurity programs allow young people to develop advanced technical skills while learning how to protect digital systems instead of exploiting them.
The message behind the campaign is simple. be a cyber defender, not a cyber offender.
Starting the conversation at home
The RCMP says regular conversations about online behaviour can help prevent risky decisions before they happen.
Parents are encouraged to remind children that online actions are not anonymous and to ask whether their behaviour online would be acceptable face-to-face. Police also recommend emphasizing that cybercrime and fraud have real victims and encouraging youth to report suspicious online activity rather than participating in it.
For some families, the RCMP says parental controls and monitoring technology can also be useful tools for protecting children from online harms.
Real-world consequences extend beyond the screen
Police say many young people underestimate the lasting impact of cybercrime.
Depending on the offence, consequences can range from a police warning and seizure of electronic devices to criminal charges, fines and a permanent criminal record. The RCMP says convictions can also affect educational opportunities, future employment, international travel and, in serious cases, result in imprisonment.
By understanding those consequences early, police believe youth are more likely to make responsible choices online.
Technology skills can lead to rewarding careers
The RCMP says Canada’s growing cybersecurity sector offers exciting alternatives for young people interested in hacking, coding and digital technology.
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across Canada and internationally, with specialized roles offering salaries well above the national average. Police encourage parents and teachers to help youth view their digital talents as a pathway to meaningful careers rather than illegal activity.
Reporting cybercrime
The RCMP reminds anyone who is a victim of cybercrime, fraud or online scams to report the incident to their local police service and through Canada’s national cybercrime and fraud reporting system.
As young Canadians continue growing up in an increasingly digital world, the RCMP says education, supervision and open communication remain the strongest tools for helping them stay safe and make responsible choices online.
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