How violent groups are targeting and exploiting vulnerable youth online
The RCMP has issued a public safety notice about a growing trend in online exploitation of youth. Violent online groups are exploiting vulnerable youth, coercing them to participate in acts of violence, self-harm, torturing and killing animals, and producing child sexual exploitation material.
What is “The Com”?
“The Com” is a virtual community of groups and individuals who conduct illicit activities that glorify violence, cruelty, and gore. Members are known to have extreme ideological views, with the goal of desensitizing and radicalizing youth.
“The Com” network targets vulnerable youth (ages 8-17), encouraging them to: engage in explicit acts or the sexual exploitation of others, harm or kill animals, self-harm or attempt suicide, or conduct other acts of serious violence.
Members of the group may victimize youth for several reasons, including building up their notoriety or “clout chasing”, furthering radical ideological views, recruiting more members, and desensitizing youth in preparation for further violence.
Where and how do these groups operate?
These groups operate virtually in a number of very accessible online spaces. These include social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, online chat apps like Discord and Telegram, and online gaming platforms and apps like Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and Steam. Predators often take advantage of these popular spaces because they offer easy access to young people and provide opportunities for private communication with little oversight.
Predators groom their victims by establishing trust and building a relationship with them. They may start with compliments, talking about shared interests, or offering emotional guidance and support, gradually building trust with the victim. Once that trust has been established, they use their power and coercive tactics to manipulate victims into engaging in violent, explicit, or otherwise nefarious acts.
The predator may try to shame, incriminate, and isolate the victim by making them photograph or record themselves committing explicit or violent acts. These materials are then used as tools for blackmail, shame, and isolation. Victims are threatened with exposure to family, friends, and communities if they do not comply with further demands. The predator may also share these images and videos within “The Com” to gain clout, admiration, or credibility among other offenders.
Warning signs
Indicators that your child could be the target of members of “The Com” network include:
They are moodier, withdrawn, or seem on-edge.
They are spending more time on the internet, unsupervised or alone in their room.
Their grades are dropping.
They have a new online friend or group of friends who they seem infatuated and/or fearful of.
They use encrypted communication apps like Discord and Telegram, which you have no view over.
Family pets or other animals are being harmed or die suspiciously or are unusually fearful of your child.
They are demonstrating an interest in extreme messaging online.
They are receiving anonymous gifts, either physical items, online currency, or in-game items.
They are scrawling names and/or numbers on loose papers.
Writing messages in blood or what appears to be blood.
Some of these indicators alone may not appear to be significant, however when considering them collectively they may be cause for concern.
What you can do
Maintain open communication with your children about healthy online relationships, monitor their online activities, promote online safety, and familiarize yourself with the apps and games that your children spend their time on.
If you suspect your child may be experiencing online exploitation, support and resources are available to help.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
24/7 support for youth via their website, text, or phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
A resource by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to help youth deal with online exploitation.
A free tool by NCMEC that helps remove explicit images of minors from the internet.
Tips on how to keep children safe online.
To read the full release issued by the RCMP, click here.