News release

Social media drives concerns for youth safety over the past weeks in Fort St John

January 16, 2026 - Fort St John, British Columbia
From: Fort St. John RCMP

Content

PSA - Social Media Safety

Over the past few weeks, the Fort St John RCMP have responded to calls of service related to youths accessing social media platforms. In a few instances youths have openly shared their mental health concerns.  In addition, there has been reports of alleged cyber bullying and threats amongst youths. These various social media platforms often go unchecked.

Did you know:

• Youth report the longest screen time and highest social media use of any age group, and also the most severe mental health symptoms.
• Experiences of cybervictimization are linked to a threefold increase in suicidal ideation.
• Youth who use platforms like TikTok and Snapchat report higher rates of suicidal ideation than the national average.

“For parents, encourage your children to use this app (ERASE) if they witness online bullying or inappropriate activity involving fellow students. In addition, parents should monitor their youth’s social media activity,” said Sergeant Dwayne Croll, Operational Support Non-Commissioned Officer for the Fort St John RCMP.  “Parents should always manage their youth’s cellular or computer activity via parental controls. Please take the time to research internet safety with regards to social media platforms such as Snapchat.”

Resources for Parents

Snapchat provides supportive guidelines for safer use of their platform.

Safer Schools Together provides a parent and caregiver guide, Raising Digitally Responsible Youth which has valuable resources for youth caregivers.

The Canadian Pediatric Society has an informative page for what parents should know about social media.

Parents, please talk to your youth, if they see or hear about any bullying or threats, report it.  Reports can be made to the local RCMP and anonymous reports can be made at ERASE (Expect Respect And Safe Education) or on the School District 60 Website.

The Fort St John RCMP continues to work collaboratively with the School District, Safer Schools Together, Northern Health and the Ministry of Children and Families. 

Released on behalf of Sergeant Dwayne Croll, Operational Support Non-Commissioned Officer for the Fort St John RCMP.

Quotes

“For parents, encourage your children to use this app if they witness online bullying or inappropriate activity involving fellow students. In addition, parents should monitor their youth’s social media activity.  Parents should always manage their youth’s cellular or computer activity via parental controls. Please take the time to research internet safety with regards to social media platforms such as Snapchat.”

Sergeant Dwayne Croll, Operational Support Non-Commissioned Officer for the Fort St John RCMP

Quick facts

• Did you know:

  • Youth report the longest screen time and highest social media use of any age group, and also the most severe mental health symptoms.
  • Experiences of cybervictimization are linked to a threefold increase in suicidal ideation.
  • Youth who use platforms like TikTok and Snapchat report higher rates of suicidal ideation than the national average.

Associated links

• Mental Health Research Canada
• Snapchat supportive guidelines
• Canadian Pediatric Society - Social Media: What parents should know
• ERASE - Expect Respect And Safe Education
• School District 60 Website - ERASE
• Safer Schools Together parent and caregiver guide - Raising Digitally Responsible Youth

Contacts