Alberta RCMP gives tips to youth on protecting their digital reputation

September 8, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Throughout September, the Alberta RCMP is sharing online safety tips with youth. As young people navigate increasingly complex online environments, their digital reputations can have lasting real-world consequences.

Youth should be aware of the following before going online: 

• Digital footprint: Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when using the internet. Every website you visit, message you send, and post you share contributes to it. Remember, posts and messages, including disappearing messages, can be permanent. Deleting content does not guarantee removal, and future employers, schools, and others may see your online activity.
• Sharing personal information: Think carefully before sharing information such as your school’s name, sports team, location, daily routine, or other identifying details. This information can be used by the wrong person to determine your whereabouts or learn more about you.
• Consent: Always get consent before posting or sending photos or information of others.
• Image sharing: Images shared online may remain accessible through screenshots, downloads, or reposts, even after they are deleted. The safest option is to never share explicit images of yourself, but if you do, consider the risks. Sharing, forwarding, or posting explicit images of youth, even if they were shared with you consensually, may result in criminal charges.
• AI-generated images: Any image can be manipulated using artificial intelligence to create a deepfake. Creating, sharing, or distributing explicit deepfake images can cause significant harm and may carry the same consequences as sharing real explicit images.
• Privacy settings: Use the privacy and safety settings available on your accounts. Enter your correct date of birth to access youth safety features where available. Set accounts to private, review who can contact or view your profile, disable location sharing when not needed, and limit app permissions for your camera and microphone.

“If something online makes you uncomfortable, pressured, threatened, or unsafe, speak to a trusted adult and report the behaviour through the platform,” says Cst. Scott Sterling, ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit. “By being thoughtful about your online presence and knowing where to find help, you can better protect your privacy, safety, and wellbeing online. Mistakes may happen or your online preferences may change, but help is always available. “

Parents and guardians can assist by maintaining an open, ongoing conversation about online activity, digital reputation, and safe online behaviour. Creating a supportive environment can make it easier for youth to seek help when needed. 

For more information on online safety, visit Public Safety Canada’s Help for Youth, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, Instagram @RCMPALBERTAGRC, X @RCMPAlberta, and on YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta. 

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