Canadian Centre for Child Protection

THE DOOR THAT'S NOT LOCKED
New Internet Safety Website marks Safer Internet Day

For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010

WINNIPEG, MB - Canadian parents will receive a new tool to help keep their children safer on the Internet today with the national launch of The Door that's not Locked (www.thedoorthatsnotlocked.ca). This unique, one-stop-shop for Internet safety information will provide parents, teachers and anyone else interested in keeping kids safe online with the tools and resources they need to do so. The Door that's not Locked refers to safety concerns regarding the unlocked door of the Internet. In time for Safer Internet Day on February 9^th 2010, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has partnered with the Government of Canada to help families understand the good, bad, and ugly about the web.

"Safer Internet Day reminds us of the importance in combating on-line victimization, especially when it involves our children," said Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews. "The Government of Canada remains committed to the global fight against the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet. We will continue to work with our valued partners such as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and support the work of the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre, who is making valuable progress to target those who prey on children online."

In a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, 75% of parents were concerned about their children's online safety. 88% of parents said they had no particular website that they went to for Internet safety education. The survey identified that parents would like a credible, reliable, easy-to-navigate, age-specific website to find answers to their Internet safety questions.

"The Internet has become an indispensible part of our children's lives, so it's vital that adults take steps to ensure their kids are safe while online. While many parents are quick to lock the front door of their home, they allow their kids to experience the unsupervised, open door of the Internet," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "Whether it is contact with people who have harmful intentions, or content that is inappropriate for children, the Internet can pose real risk to kids. The Door that's not Locked is designed to help open the door to parents, teachers and anyone else who is dedicated to helping keep kids safe online."

While the Canadian Centre will be releasing a new study on online luring later this year, to date, Cybertip.ca has forwarded 540 reports classified as luring to law enforcement. "Our luring reports reveal that offenders use a variety of tactics such as flattery, threats, persistence, and exposure to sexually explicit material to make children comply with their requests. Whether it is requesting inappropriate pictures, having sexual conversations, or attempting to meet in person, these individuals use whatever means necessary to have the child comply," added McDonald. "As persistent as these individuals are with children, parents have to be even more persistent in teaching their kids to understand the risks and how to be safe."

"As a partner under the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a leader in the development of awareness and educational products," said RCMP Sgt. Lana Prosper, with the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre. "The fight against child sexual exploitation is a priority for local, national, and international police agencies. Internet safety resources such as the one launched today are a key component in our ability to help keep our children safe."

The Door that's not Locked website was created based on the results of a nationwide parent survey and provides Canadians with the information they have been seeking. It provides Canadians with comprehensive information about what their kids are doing online, the risks associated with those activities and provides important tips and strategies to help keep their kids safe.

In addition to the new website, the Canadian Centre will distribute three million age-specific Safety and the Internet brochures to schools across Canada. McDonald extended her thanks to the Government of Canada as well as to Bell, Honeywell, Shaw and TELUS for their ongoing support, which plays a significant role in the Canadian Centre's ability to carry out important initiatives such as The Door that's not Locked.

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For more information please contact:
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Carolyn Shimmin, Communications Coordinator
Office Phone: 204-945-8074 Cell: 204 801-6838
Email: Carolyn@protectchildren.ca

BACKGROUNDER:

Interesting Online Statistics:

According to a recent report from the Pew Research Centre (Social Media & Mobile Internet Use among Teens and Young Adults, February 2010):

93 per cent of teens aged 12-17 now go online.
Nearly two thirds, or 63 per cent of kids in this age group go online every day.
A full 36 per cent of 12-17 year-olds go online several times a day.
Teen use of social networking sites has risen significantly: 73 per cent of wired teens now use such sites, compared to just over half of online teens (55 per cent) that used them in November 2006.
31 per cent of online teens are getting health, diet or physical fitness information from the Internet.
17 per cent of teens use the Internet to gather information about health topics that are hard to discuss with others such as sexual health topics and drug use.
Nearly seven in ten, or 69 per cent of teens aged 12-17 have a computer.

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day takes place each year in February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world. This year it will take place on February 9^th.

Since the first year in 2004, participation in this event has been steadily growing, with an increase in general awareness, stronger involvement of relevant stakeholders in the field of internet safety and a high level of media interest. In 2009 more than 120 organizations in 56 countries took part in Safer Internet Day celebrations, organizing local, national and international events ranging from safety sessions in schools and competitions for young people to public meetings and conferences.

NEW WEBSITE TO HELP TEACH TEENS SAFE, RESPECTFUL TEXTING PRACTICES
Substantial growth in texting underscores the need for www.textED.ca

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2010

Winnipeg, MB: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) today launched textED.ca, an innovative and interactive website designed to teach teens to be safe, responsible and respectful users of texting technologies.

Concerns surrounding teens sending sexual messages, nude photos and videos via text messaging is on the rise, yet the vast majority of kids doing so are unaware of the short-term costs and the long-term ramifications associated with their actions.

"Adolescent behavior is less inhibited with the use of technology, so they tend to say and do things that they might not otherwise do in person," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre. "The textED.ca site has been created to help educate youth about how to use technology respectfully and safely, and to know what to do when someone crosses the line."

From learning how to deal with textual harassers to helping teens deal with stress or a break-up, the textED.ca website incorporates games, quizzes, discussion pages, downloadables and other fun tools to help them navigate through the issues. Considering the substantial growth in texting among adolescents in recent years, the CWTA said the launch of this new website comes at a critical time.

"Wireless technology is a valuable tool to help keep today's busy families connected, and its popularity is growing at an incredible pace. However, while texting is a fun and fast way of communicating, it's important that users know how to do so safely and responsibly," said Bernard Lord, CWTA President and CEO. "We are pleased to be partnering with the Canadian Centre on this much-needed initiative that will go a long way towards increasing the safety of Canada's youth."

"While police often visit schools or community groups to teach kids about safety, it is resources like textED.ca, that if properly and widely used to educate children, will help police officers focus their time being protectors more often than educators," said Kingston police Detective, Stephanie Morgan. "Our local text-luring case is proof positive that there is an education gap that needs to be addressed, and we applaud the Canadian Centre and the CWTA for filling that gap."

Today's initial launch of textED.ca includes the piloting of the site in 100 Grade 7 classrooms across the country. Teachers will use a series of safety lessons and the website to help guide their students through respectful conduct when texting, and to teach them life skills that will allow them to fully benefit from what is now a very public, technological world. Teachers are encouraged to visit www.textED.ca to access lesson plans and for details on an exciting class project contest.

BACKGROUNDER: Cybertip.ca Case Example and Texting Statistics

Cybertip.ca Case Example - Luring by texting:

A 14-year-old girl from Ontario was engaging in text message exchanges with an individual purporting to be a 15-year-old male. The male was apparently attempting to lure the girl to meet him in Kingston, four hours away from her home town. The girl had met the suspect on "Speed Date" and was planning to run away with him.

Cybertip.ca forwarded the information to Kingston police, and following their investigation, a 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with luring and four other charges related to breaching probation. The male was known to the police as he had just been released from custody after being convicted of physically assaulting another girl that he had met on the Internet. In addition, the accused was wanted in three provinces for charges including sexual assault and threats against a girl whom he had met on the Internet and then moved in with.

The media is encouraged to remind the public to report the online sexual exploitation of children to Cybertip.ca. For more information on the Kingston case example, media may contact Kingston police Detective Stephanie Morgan at: 613-549-4660

Texting Statistics: Did you know?
(Statistics provided by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association)

In September 2009, Canadians sent approximately 100 million text messages per day.
In total, Canadians sent 3 billion text messages in September 2009.
For the first nine months of the year, a total of 24.7 billion text messages were sent (from January 2009 to September 2009).
This is up significantly from the previous year, when a total of 20.8 billion text messages were sent in 2008.
Text message volumes have been doubling every year since text messaging was introduced in 2002.

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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Shimmin, Communications Coordinator
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-8074 Cellular: (204) 801-6838
Email: carolyn@protectchildren.ca

Marc Choma, Director of Communications
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Assoc.
Phone: (613) 233-4888 ext. 207
Email: mchoma@cwta.ca

25^TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE MARKED BY LAUNCH OF NEW SAFETY MAGAZINE

Click here to download media kit

New approach to counter fundraising using the "Child Find" name

For Immediate Release
December 21, 2009

WINNIPEG, MB - Child Find Manitoba (CFM) will commemorate its 25^th Anniversary next spring with the launch of a new safety magazine that will address child protection issues and provide current, age-appropriate safety strategies for children.

Over the last quarter-century, CFM's programs and services have expanded to meet growing needs and to adapt to emerging technologies. Yet, as the organization approached its 25^th year, Director Christy Dzikowicz said they wanted to find a new way to reach and support even more Manitoba families.

"We felt it was important to mark this important milestone with a new tool to get current information into the hands of parents, caregivers, educators and anyone else responsible for the care of children," said Dzikowicz. "The launch of our first-ever Child Find Manitoba magazine will help us better address the growing demand for articles, strategies, tips and other information to help educate the public , and ultimately, to help keep our kids safer online and in the real world."

The new publication - S.A.F.E. Magazine: Safety Awareness for Everyone - will launch in April 2010 to coincide with Child Find Manitoba's 25^th Anniversary celebrations. Dzikowicz said all funds raised by advertisements placed in the magazine will go directly to supporting the Child Find Manitoba programs and services the public has come to rely on.

"This is a completely new approach for our organization because Child Find Manitoba has never solicited businesses in the past. We have always relied on direct donations and sponsorships," noted Dzikowicz. "There has been a publication that has for some time been raising money in Manitoba using the Child Find name. We want to state unequivocally that we do not receive, and have never received, funds from this publication. Child Find Manitoba has not benefitted in any way from the advertising placed by Manitoba businesses in the past. Our new S.A.F.E. magazine will provide advertisers with a real opportunity to show their support for our organization and for Manitoba's missing children."

The bi-annual magazine will be distributed free of charge to targeted households throughout Winnipeg and to doctors' offices, hospital waiting rooms, community clubs and schools in Winnipeg, Brandon, rural and northern Manitoba. Manitobans will also be able to subscribe to the bi-annual publication and have it delivered right to their mailbox.

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For more information please contact:
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Erin Madden - Communications and Event Coordinator,
Office Phone: 204-945-5735 Cell Phone: 204-918-7325

NEW ACTIVITY BOOKLET EDUCATES CHILDREN ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE

For Immediate Release
December 2, 2009

Ottawa, ON: In response to Cybertip.ca's recent research findings on child sexual abuse images on the Internet, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is launching a new activity booklet to educate children about child sexual abuse. With support from Bell, the Be Smart, Strong and Safe booklet will be distributed free, to approximately 300,000 Grade 6 students across Canada.

"Children require a higher level of protection and that is why this government supports educational initiatives such as the Smart, Strong and Safe pamphlet. Preventing child victimization includes developing materials that educate children about how to protect themselves from those who seek to harm them," said Hon. Peter Van Loan, Canada's Minister of Public Safety.

The creation of the educational booklet addresses some of the recommendations released in the study entitled Child Sexual Abuse Images: An analysis of websites by Cybertip.ca. The report found that 82% of child sexual abuse images assessed by Cybertip.ca were of children 12 years of age and under. Such results reinforce the immediate need for child sexual abuse prevention and education in this country.

"There needs to be a shift in the way we view the problem and solutions of child abuse images on the Internet," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "The truth is that sexual abuse begins in the offline world. Efforts should be focused on preventing child sexual abuse from occurring in homes and communities."

Recognizing the challenges in discussing the issue of child sexual abuse, the Be Smart, Strong and Safe activity booklet helps teachers educate children about this subject in an empowering way. Through a myriad of fun activities, children learn how to identify inappropriate behaviour, and how to talk to a trusted adult when something makes them feel uncomfortable. Lessons have been developed to accompany the activity booklet so teachers can incorporate this important bilingual program into daily teaching activities.

"Bell is committed to keeping children safe online by investing in educational programs that focus on issues impacting children today," said Mirko Bibic, Bell's Senior Vice President Regulatory and Government Affairs. "We are pleased to partner with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in educating kids to be smarter, stronger and safer in both the online and offline worlds."

The Be Smart, Strong, and Safe booklet is the first of several education properties that will be unveiled by the Canadian Centre to address recommendations from their recent research report.

"Education on this subject is critical in assisting young children in recognizing signs of abuse and disclosing to a trusted adult if they are being abused or photographed inappropriately," said McDonald.

Be Smart, Strong, and Safe is part of the Canadian Centre's national program called Kids in the Know (KIK). KIK is an interactive safety education program for children from Kindergarten to High School (www.kidsintheknow.ca).

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For more information please contact:
Erin Madden, Communications Coordinator, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-1866 Cell: (204) 918.7325
Email: erin@protectchildren.ca

Media Backgrounder:
Be Smart, Strong and Safe

What is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection? The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a national non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the personal safety of all children. The Centre's goal is to reduce child victimization by providing programs and services to the Canadian public.

What is Cybertip.ca? Owned and operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, Cybertip.ca is Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Cybertip.ca accepts and addresses online and telephone reports from the public regarding child pornography (child abuse images and material), online luring, child exploitation through prostitution, travelling to sexually exploit children, and child trafficking. Cybertip.ca was launched as a provincial pilot program (Manitoba) in September 2002, and in May 2004, along with the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre, became part of the Government of Canada's National Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet.

On average, Cybertip.ca receives more than 700 reports and 100,000 page views to its website per month. Cybertip.ca analysts review all reports and forward those with potentially illegal content to police. Reports have resulted in a number of arrests, as well as numerous children being removed from abusive environments. (Analysts hold Special Constable Status in order to review and create these reports.)

Why Smart, Strong and Safe? Exclusive, extensive data is collected through Cybertip.ca. The Centre analyzes this information and uses it to develop educational programs, such as Be Smart, Strong and Safe in order to keep children safe by giving them safety strategies they can use in their daily lives.

According to Statistics Canada, 61% of all victims of sexual abuse reported to police are children under the age of 18 years. In 2007, the sexual assault rate for children and youth was over 5 times higher than it was for adults. Recently, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection published a report entitled, Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca. This study examines reports made by the public to Cybertip.ca between September 26, 2002 and March 31, 2009. It focuses on child sexual abuse images on websites and provides an overview of the problem of child pornography. Of the 35,111 website incidents (one public report may contain information about an email and a website- this would be considered two separate incidents, as they would have to be analyzed independently) processed by Cybertip.ca during this time, 15,662 involved sites hosting child pornography, thus the number of incidents analyzed in this report.

The results of this analysis provide some disturbing data on the issue of child pornography. Most concerning is the severity of abuse depicted, with 35% of all images that were analyzed depicting serious sexual assaults against a child. Also troubling are the ages of the children depicted in the images with 82.1% of the images analyzed by Cybertip.ca depicting very young, pre-pubescent children under 12 years old. Even more alarming is the extreme sexual assaults (bondage, torture and bestiality) which occur against young children. These statistics challenge the misconception that child pornography consists largely of innocent or harmless nude photographs of children.Gender also played a role in the research with 83 per cent of the images depicting girls.

Be Smart, Strong and Safe One of the key recommendations of the Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca report is the creation of educational materials for children 12 years and under in order to help young children recognize signs of the abuse process and disclose to a trusted adult if they are being abused or photographed inappropriately. The Be Smart, Strong and Safe activity booklet is designed for children ages 11 and 12 and teaches children about sexual abuse in an empowering way. Through a number of interesting and fun activities children learn how to identify strange behaviour and situations, and how to talk to a trusted adult when something makes them feel uncomfortable. The activity booklet will be distributed across Canada to more than 10,500 schools and over 260,000 Grade 6 students.

NEW STUDY HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR EDUCATION AND COLLABORATION TO ADDRESS CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE WEBSITES

Extreme young age of victims and severity of abuse underscores need for immediate action

November 18, 2009

Winnipeg, MB: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection today released a new study titled Child Sexual Abuse Images: An analysis of websites by Cybertip.ca. The study reinforces concerns regarding the scope and severity of child sexual abuse imagery and underscores the need for additional solutions.

"Child victimization of any kind is a horrifying crime," said Peter Van Loan, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. "That is why we continue to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which helps bring those to justice who misuse changing technology to victimize children. Through the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, our government continues to enhance the tools law enforcement need to prevent, investigate and prosecute these serious crimes."

The report was based on the examination of nearly 16,000 incidents involving sites hosting child pornography and the analysis of more than 4,000 unique images of child sexual abuse. More than 82% of the images assessed by Cybertip.ca depicted very young, pre-pubescent children under 12 years of age. Most concerning was the severe abuse depicted, with more than 35% of all images showing serious sexual assaults.

"What makes this particularly concerning is the very young age of the children in the images. These children are most likely being accessed and sexually abused by someone they know. Not only is it devastating for a child to be abused, but to have the abuse recorded and distributed on the Internet adds another layer of trauma." said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "This is a call to action to all Canadians to learn to recognize the signs of abuse, and to report their suspicions of abuse. We need to disrupt and hopefully stop child sexual abuse and prevent it from being memorialized and traded on the Internet."

The report emphasizes the critical need for child sexual abuse education. Special attention should be given to educating children 12 years and under on this subject to help build their skills and confidence to possibly disrupt and disclose abuse. Building public awareness on the issue of child sexual abuse and encouraging adults to report is another highlighted outcome.

The study also provides an in-depth analysis of reports made by the public to Cybertip.ca. As a result of this analysis, a series of 12 recommendations were provided to assist educators, policy makers, and other stakeholders who are working to reduce the online sexual exploitation of children.

"This report clearly reiterates the importance of a national tipline through which members of the public can actively participate in child protection by reporting IT-enabled child sexual exploitation," said Superintendent John Bilinski, of the Canadian Police Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. "As a partner of the Canadian Police Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Cybertip.ca plays a key triage role that allows police to focus their efforts on investigations while ensuring that the public receives accurate awareness and prevention information. This increased understanding enhances our collective ability to protect children."

At the time of the analysis, more than 60 countries were hosting child sexual abuse content. Additionally, in one 48 hour period, Cybertip.ca observed a website cycle through 212 unique IP addresses, located in 16 different countries.

"We know from our 35 hotlines around the world the challenges in addressing illegal website content. Offenders are taking full advantage of the architecture of the Internet, variances in legislation, and are deliberately moving sites to evade the law," says Ruben Rodriguez, President of Inhope (International Hotline Association). "International collaboration involving a variety of stakeholders is the only way we are going to successfully tackle Internet-facilitated crimes against children."

In addition, the study, which was done in partnership with Bell Canada, provides information on the global movement of child sexual abuse websites, identifies the challenges with the borderless nature of the Internet, and recommends additional solutions for tackling this problem.

"For several years, Bell Canada has been committed to fighting the online sexual exploitation of children by supporting Cybertip.ca. Our goal in funding this report is to look beyond traditional industry efforts and explore innovative solutions that may better assist in protecting children," said Mirko Bibic, Bell Canada's Senior Vice President Regulatory and Government Affairs. "We are optimistic that our investment in research and prevention will help ensure that technology is not misused to aid in the harm and abuse of children."

Solutions to accurately identify those who operate these child abuse websites include working with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to adopt standards for ensuring the validity of the registrant's personal information. This is one of the twelve recommendations identified in the report.

Cybertip.ca is Canada's tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. The tipline is part of the Government of Canada's National Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet. Since its launch, Cybertip.ca has received close to 40,000 reports resulting in at least 52 arrests executed by law enforcement and numerous children removed from abusive environments. In partnership with Bell Canada, Cybertip.ca's Research Series pulls together the most crucial aspects of the tens of thousands of reports submitted by the Canadian public. This report is the first in a series that will include the publication of unique research in the area of online child sexual exploitation, and will promote the creation of best practices for child protection in Canada.

Media Note: to access a full copy of the report, the summary report, or backgrounders on the report's keys statistics, recommendations and priorities for education, please visit the Canadian Centre's website at: www.protectchildren.ca or the national tipline at: www.cybertip.ca.

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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Shimmin, Communications Coordinator
Office: (204) 945-8074 Cellular: (204) 801-6838
Email: carolyn@protectchildren.ca

Media Backgrounder:
Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca

What is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection? The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a national non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the personal safety of all children. The Centre's goal is to reduce child victimization by providing programs and services to the Canadian public.

What is Cybertip.ca? Owned and operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, Cybertip.ca is Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Cybertip.ca accepts and addresses online and telephone reports from the public regarding child pornography (child abuse images and material), online luring, child exploitation through prostitution, travelling to sexually exploit children, and child trafficking. Cybertip.ca was launched as a provincial pilot program (Manitoba) in September 2002, and in May 2004, along with the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre, became part of the Government of Canada's National Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet.

On average, Cybertip.ca receives more than 700 reports and 100,000 page views to its website per month. Cybertip.ca analysts review all reports and forward those with potentially illegal content to police. Reports have resulted in a number of arrests, as well as numerous children being removed from abusive environments. (Analysts hold Special Constable Status in order to review and create these reports.)

What is Child Pornography? Child pornography is a permanent record of the sexual abuse of a child. It can be an image, an audio recording, a video, a drawing, or a story about the sexual assault of a child. It is created deliberately and can be shared easily through the Internet, online platforms, and portable technology devices. Child sexual abuse is a crime and a significant problem that the public can't ignore.

The Report - Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca: This study examines reports made by the public to Cybertip.ca between September 26, 2002 and March 31, 2009. It focuses on child sexual abuse images on websites and provides an overview of the problem of child pornography. Of the 35,111 website incidents (one public report may contain information about an email and a website- this would be considered two separate incidents, as they would have to be analyzed independently) processed by Cybertip.ca during this time, 15,662 involved sites hosting child pornography, thus the number of incidents analyzed in this report.

Findings about child abuse images: The results of this analysis provide some disturbing data on the issue of child pornography. Most concerning is the severity of abuse depicted, with 35% of all images that were analyzed depicting serious sexual assaults against a child. Also troubling are the ages of the children depicted in the images with children under 8 years old most likely to be abused through sexual assaults in the images. Even more alarming is the extreme sexual assaults (bondage, torture and bestiality) which occur against children under 8 years old. These statistics challenge the misconception that child pornography consists largely of innocent or harmless nude photographs of children.

Of the webpages analyzed, 78% had at least one abuse image of a child less than 8 years of age with many showing infants or toddlers being assaulted. Most often, images of children under 8 years of age depicted them being abused through sexual assaults. The images of older children typically depicted them posed nude or in a sexualized way.

Gender also played a role in the research with 83 per cent of the images depicting girls. This highlights the need for gender-related educational materials and working with organizations that work specifically with girls such as the Girl Guides. This may help in the effort to educate girls to recognize sexual abuse and report sexually abusive behaviour.

The marketing aspect of websites hosting child abuse images: The report revealed that there is a marketing component to many websites hosting child sex abuse images with the layout of websites designed to direct attention to the images and focusing on a variety of children. It was found that over 50 per cent of websites were accepting at least one form of credit card payment, and using language seen on adult pornography websites in an attempt to normalize the viewing of such images.

The study also provides information on the global movement of child sexual abuse websites, identifies the challenges with the borderless nature of the Internet, and recommends additional solutions for tackling this problem. The reality is that illegal content is widely and publicly available and moves in an effort to avoid being shut down. In a 48 hour period, Cybertip.ca observed one website cycle through 212 IP addresses, located in 16 different countries.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The report presents a series of 12 recommendations in the areas of education and public awareness, technical and policy development, and research opportunities.

The creation of educational materials for children 12 years and under in order to help young children recognize signs of the abuse process and disclose to a trusted adult if they are being abused or photographed inappropriately. Adults also need to learn to recognize the possible signs of abuse. Tools should be provided to caregivers in the areas of healthy parenting and understanding and recognizing the signs of abuse.
Collaboration between tiplines such as Cybertip.ca around the world to begin tracking infants and toddlers in child abuse imagery to allow a better idea if there is a growing audience for images of very young children being abused. This will also open a dialogue about prevention strategies to better protect pre-school children.
Creation of gender-related educational materials in response to the large percentage of girls depicted in abuse imagery.
Working with law enforcement and Internet service and content providers to remove illegal content from Canadian servers.
Establishing international standards for the personal information a registrant is required to provide when registering a new domain name.
Partnering with domain name registrants to have domains hosting illegal content discarded from use so new website owners cannot purchase domains known to host child pornography and reuse it for the same purpose.
Need for further research on the impact of child sexual abuse on victims and whether the Internet has changed the nature and extent of their trauma and healing process.
Collaboration and data sharing between organizations dealing with online sexual exploitation of children.
Research is needed to determine how words are being used on websites hosting online sexual abuse images.
Track the use of unique title bars on websites hosting child abuse images.
Establish a coalition of stakeholders such as law enforcement, the financial industry and Internet service providers, to develop solutions to the commercial aspects of child sexual abuse images.
When a site has been identified as fast flux (ever-changing network of compromised hosts acting as proxies) it is possible to determine which IP addresses are being used to serve the content, which means tiplines around the world could work with Internet service providers to notify them of compromised computers on their network. Internet service providers could choose to suspend the customer's service until the infected machine is fixed.

BILLY TEACHES KIDS HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE TRICK-OR-TREATING

Nearly 11,000 Grade One Teacher Kits distributed to Canadian schools;
New website and online Halloween game launched

October 27, 2009

Winnipeg, MB: Halloween is a time of great excitement for children, but sometimes in the midst of that excitement, important safety strategies can be forgotten. To help protect children from victimization this Halloween, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, in partnership with Honeywell, has unveiled the Billy Brings his Buddies Halloween Game, an exciting interactive online game for children.

"While Halloween night is fun and exciting, it is important that children are aware of the risks and familiar with strategies to keep them safe," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "It's important that parents talk to their kids about safe practices to reduce their chance of being harmed."

Aimed at first grade students, the new Halloween game teaches children the importance of always having a trusted adult with them when out trick-or-treating. The launch of the new online Halloween game coincides with the unveiling of the new Billy Brings his Buddies website, www.billybuddy.ca.

The website provides parents and educators with information on the Billy program and the Buddy System; access to games and downloadable activities to reinforce the Buddy System; as well as information on other age-appropriate child personal safety strategies, activities and storybooks.

"Keeping our children safe is vital", states Brian Stoddart, Director of Human Resources, Honeywell Canada. "We are proud to partner with the Canadian Centre to provide parents and educators with the right tools to educate children on safety strategies for Halloween and throughout the year."

In addition, for the fourth consecutive year the Canadian Centre and Honeywell are distributing nearly 12,300 Billy Brings His Buddies Grade One Teacher Kits to schools across Canada free of charge this month. The kit, designed to help educators teach their students about the Buddy System, includes new activities for use in the classroom, as well as a couple of new at-home activities to send home for parents to complete with their children.

For more information please contact:
Erin Madden, Communications Coordinator, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-1866
Cell: (204) 918-7325
Email: erin@protectchildren.ca

Natalie Pastuszak, Corporate Communications, Honeywell Canada
(905) 608-6000

BACKGROUNDER:
Billy Brings his Buddies - Halloween Safety

In partnership with Honeywell, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's Kids in the Know program has unveiled a new Billy Brings his Buddies Halloween Game to help parents reinforce the Buddy System with their children. This exciting new interactive online game teaches children the importance of always having another individual, a 'Buddy,' accompany them when they are out trick-or-treating. Parents are encouraged to visit www.billybuddy.ca to access the new online Halloween game, or for more information on the Billy Brings his Buddies program.

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents:

Plan the route you and your children will take ahead of time. Talk to them about the importance of staying in well-known areas, on well-lit streets, and about avoiding shortcuts through back lanes or cutting through people's property. Once they are old enough to go out without an adult accompanying them, make sure they know the route they will be taking.
Young children should be accompanied by a trusted adult. Once children are old enough to go out on their own, they should use the Buddy System or travel in groups. There is increased safety in numbers!
Teach your children to avoid going into people's homes for treats. Instead, encourage them to stand outside the door while waiting to receive their goodies!
Teach children not to go places with anyone without first having permission from you or the adult in charge.
For older children who are going out with friends, arrange a time for them to check in and a time for them to be home for the night. Have them call to make arrangements if plans change.
Make sure younger children know their personal information (full name, address and phone number) in case they wander off.
Teach children which houses they can go to if they run into any trouble, such as Block Parent houses or homes of trusted friends.
If possible, have older children take a cell phone with them trick-or-treating.
Teach children to trust their instincts. Talk to them about the importance of knowing that when something doesn't 'feel right' to them, and to trust that feeling and remove themselves from the situation as soon as they can.
Make personal safety education an integral part of your family's everyday life.

HELP IS NEEDED TO BRING DOMINIC AND ABBY HOME

Siblings, missing for one year, the victims of parental abduction

August 12, 2009

WINNIPEG, MB - The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, along with the Winnipeg Police Service and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children are requesting the public's assistance in locating two missing children from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - 8 year old Dominic MARYK and 6 year old Abby MARYK, who were believed to be abducted by their biological father one year ago. August 16, 2009 will mark the one year anniversary since these children were last seen by their mother Emily CABLEK.

Dominic and Abby were on a holiday with their 38-year-old father Kevin MARYK at the time of their disappearance. Investigators believe they remain in their father's custody at this time and that they may have been taken out of Canada.

Investigators also believe that Kevin MARYK may be in the company of his 20-year-old nephew, Cody MCKAY. MCKAY, who was living with his uncle, disappeared at the same time this alleged abduction occurred and is thought to be an accomplice.

Winnipeg Police Service has issued Canada wide warrants for Kevin MARYK for abduction in contravention of a court order (x 2) and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (x 2). A Canada wide warrant has also been issued for Cody MCKAY for conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (x 2).

"There's a good chance the people who know Kevin and Cody, know something. Whether they have talked or texted, the likelihood that there has been some connection is high," said Christy Dzikowicz, Director of Missing Children Services at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "These individuals must put the needs and safety of the children first and come forward. They also need to realize that by not doing so, they could be held accountable by authorities. They will also have to explain their actions and inactions to Dominic and Abby someday."

Kevin MARYK is described as Caucasian, 5' 10" tall and weighing 205 lbs. He has a fair complexion and hazel eyes. At the time of the abduction he had a shaved head and goatee. Cody MCKAY is described as Caucasian, 5' 4" tall and weighing 160 lbs. He has a dark complexion and brown eyes. At the time of the abduction he was clean shaven with medium length dark hair. It is important to note, however that their appearances may have changed over the last year.

Photos and descriptions of the children and the suspects can be found by visiting http://www.protectchildren.ca/app/en/maryk.

Law enforcement investigators suspect that acquaintances, friends, or even family members may have knowledge as to the whereabouts of MARYK, MCKAY and the children. Certain people may also be enabling them to stay hidden from the authorities by providing them with shelter or financial support. These people are now being asked to come forward and provide the necessary information required to bring Dominic and Abby back home to their mother. Citizens wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to provide information through the Crime Stoppers program or through the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

Anyone with information regarding this matter may contact authorities through one of the following phone numbers:

National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (callers may remain anonymous)
The Winnipeg Police Service - Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250,
The Winnipeg Police non-emergency line at 204-986-6222

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, the Winnipeg Police Service and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children are also requesting that all media agencies forward this release to their colleagues across North America if possible.

For more information please contact:
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Erin Madden - Communications Coordinator
Office Phone: 204-945-5735 Cell Phone: 204-918-7325

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER; PARENTS CAN KEEP KIDS SAFER IN THE WIRELESS WORLD

Canadian Centre for Child Protection and TELUS offer mobile safety guide and a unique website geared toward educating parents and adolescents

Winnipeg, MB - With summer holidays now in full swing, today's parents are looking to keep connected with their children through the use of cell phones and other technology. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection and TELUS have partnered to create a series of mobile safety education tools to address the increase in mobile use by adolescents and the potential risks associated with misuse of wireless technology.

The campaign is the first of its kind in Canada and one that is greatly needed for today's parents whose children are more and more likely to have their own mobile phone. Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said the increase in mobile use among Canada's youth calls for new safety approaches from parents.

"While mobile phones are enriching our lives in many ways, they also present some risks, but those risks can be managed with education and open communication between parents and their children," said McDonald. "Together with TELUS, we are providing Canadian parents with the information and strategies they need to keep their families safer while using wireless and mobile technology."

"As a founding partner with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, TELUS is pleased to assist in the creation of this vital program and provide parents with the tools to help keep their children safe from harm," said Josh Blair, TELUS executive vice-president of Human Resources. "As a father, I'm proud of the efforts the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and TELUS are making to raise awareness with parents and their children about the safe and responsible use of cell phones and other mobile technology."

Parents can now access important information - including downloading a new Mobile Safety Guide - at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection/TELUS Mobile Safety website: www.mobility.protectchildren.ca. The goal is to educate parents about the potential risks posed to adolescents using mobile phones and to highlight age-specific strategies to keep them safe.

Parents can learn more about the responsible use of cell phones and potential risks associated with text messaging, camera/video phones, Internet and mobile TV access, and exposure to inappropriate material. In addition, the new website provides parents with specific strategies for children ages 10-12, 13-15 and 16-17. Each section provides mobile safety education that is developmentally appropriate for the age of the child.

For more information please contact:

Erin Madden, Public Relations Coordinator,
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-1866
Cell: (204) 918-7325
Email: erin@protectchildren.ca

Chris Gerritsen, Senior Communications Manager,
TELUS Media Relations
TELUS - Communications and Community Affairs
Office: (403) 530-4919 Cell: (403) 808-9591
Email: chris.gerritsen@telus.com

BACKGROUNDER: Mobile Safety

Age-Appropriate Safety Strategies: (Source: www.mobility.protectchildren.ca )

10 - 12 years old: At this age, children take great interest in having their own mobile phone, and have been exposed to mobile phone technology through television, advertising, peers, siblings, and parents. It is important to establish basic principles and guidelines regarding mobile phone use. Some key strategies:

Teach your child that replying to a voice/text message will disclose his/her mobile phone number to strangers via caller ID
Limit your child's downloading of ringtones, games, etc. to reputable sites

13 - 15 years old: At this age, many adolescents have their own mobile phone. 13-15 year-old adolescents are typically quite familiar with mobile phone technology; it is important to reinforce basic principles and guidelines regarding mobile phone use. Some key strategies:

Learn how to block calls/messages from unwanted users on your adolescent's phone
Reinforce that your adolescent should never respond to any unwanted messages

16-17 years old: At this age, many adolescents have their own mobile phone, and have typically integrated mobile phone technology into their daily routines; however, it is still important to reinforce basic principles and guidelines regarding mobile phone use. Some key strategies:

Remind your adolescent to save any messages with malicious content, and to share them with you or another trusted adult in case it needs to be reported
Ensure your adolescent never discloses his/her location when updating blogs or social networking sites remotely

Please visit www.mobility.protectchildren.ca for more information on the potential risks posed to children/adolescents using mobile phones, and to highlight proactive strategies that can be used to help keep children/adolescents safe.

NOTE: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection does not recommend that parents purchase mobile phones for children under the age of 11 years. However, if the decision to purchase a phone for a child is made, parents are being encouraged to carefully consider the information contained in the Mobile Safety guide and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection/TELUS Mobile Safety website: www.mobility.protectchildren.ca.

SAFETY STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection responds to abduction threat

Winnipeg, MB: - In light of a recent child kidnapping threat identified by RCMP in Richmond, British Columbia, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is encouraging parents and guardians to visit their Kids in the Know website for valuable child personal safety strategies.

"While these types of abductions are rare, they do occur. The best plan of action is for parents and guardians to be proactive by teaching their children personal safety skills," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Richmond RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Pound said, "It's our job as parents to educate our children on how to be proactive and reactive should a situation arise where a child needs to get away. Keep the lines of communication open with your children and have a plan so that should a situation arise that puts them in danger, they will be armed with the skills and confidence to stand up to anyone trying to bring them harm. Parents and children should always be vigilant and trust their instincts."

The Canadian Centre's Kids in the Know website has numerous materials available for parents/guardians that outline tips and child personal safety strategies, such as the Billy Brings a Buddy program. Children who go places alone are at a greater risk of being victimized. The Billy program teaches them the importance of always going places with a buddy. At the website, parents can read a book and complete an online activity with their children. A Billy Buddy System home activity can also be downloaded.

Parents/guardians can also access a Child Protection Plan that, once completed, shows them where risk exists in their child's life, and what protections (or protective factors) can be strengthened to increase their child's personal safety.

The Canadian Centre's Kids in the Know program is designed to empower children and reduce their risk of victimization. Taught in schools and homes across the country, the program focuses on key root safety strategies for children, including: SHOUT NO! Run - Tell Someone, Keep and Speak Secrets, The Buddy System, Trust Your Instincts, and If asked to go and your parents don't know, SHOUT NO!

For more information, or to access prevention materials and educational programs parents/guardians can call the Canadian Centre toll-free at 1-800-532-9135 or visit their Kids in the Know website at www.kidsintheknow.ca. The Canadian public is also encouraged to visit the Canadian Centre's main website for other valuable information at www.protectchildren.ca.

For more information please contact:
Tish Best, Director of Communications Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-6020 Cell: (204) 250-7992
Email: tish@protectchildren.ca

GETTING KIDS WHERE THEY'RE GOING SAFELY

Canadian Centre for Child Protection announces new public awareness campaign with support from CIBC

WINNIPEG, 24 June 2009: Get your kids where they're going. That's the message the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is sending to parents in a provocative new campaign released today. The advertising prompts parents to ask themselves important questions about their own children's personal safety. The goal of the campaign is to remind parents of the major role they play in ensuring children reach their full potential - growing up smart, strong and safe.

The pan-Canadian campaign, developed with the support of CIBC, will include billboards and television and radio advertisements and is being released this week to coincide with the start of summer holidays - a time when children spend more time participating in unstructured activities and go on trips outside of their normal environments.

"Summer is an exciting time for children, but it also brings with it risks. Families travel to unfamiliar places, older children are often left on their own during the days and younger children spend more time outdoors, often unsupervised," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director. "While these are healthy experiences for children, parents need to realize there can be dangers, so that they can, in turn, educate their children."

Recent Canadian cases also underscore the need for parents to be vigilant and involved in talking to their children about personal safety. Being mindful of situations and behaviour that seem odd and trusting those instincts can greatly assist in the protection of children.

"The protection of children is such an important issue and this campaign will help to raise awareness of the Centre and their critical work in safeguarding our children all across Canada," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC Retail Markets. "Helping youth achieve their full potential is a pillar of our community investment program and CIBC has long been committed to the well-being of children. We are especially proud to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in their efforts to keep children safe. "

Parents are encouraged to visit www.protectchildren.ca to gather more information on keeping kids safe. The public can view tips from the Centre's Kids in the Know program for increasing the personal safety of children and reducing their risk of sexual exploitation. Safety strategies at www.kidsintheknow.ca are age specific and developmentally appropriate.

For more information or to access prevention materials and educational programs parents/guardians can call the Canadian Centre toll-free at 1-800-532-9135 or visit the Centre's website at www.protectchildren.ca.

For more information please contact:
Erin Madden, Public Relations and Event Coordinator, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-1866 Cell: (204) 918-7325
Email: erin@protectchildren.ca

MANITOBA'S MISSING CHILDREN FEATURED ON NEW POSTER

Poster distributed across the province during Missing Children's Month

Click here to view our Manitoba's Missing Children poster. If you have any information of any of their whereabouts, please contact the police or call our staff in our Missing Children Services department at 945-5735 or toll free at 1-800-532-9135.

Winnipeg, MB (April 30, 2009): May is Missing Children's Month in Manitoba, and throughout the month Child Find Manitoba will be distributing a new poster across the province that features our ten long-term missing children cases.

Over the years, Canadians have become accustomed to seeing the faces of missing children in newspapers, on television reports and on national Child Find posters which hang in stores, schools, and businesses across the country. Each year a child from Manitoba appears on this national poster, but due to the recent increase in the number of our long term missing children cases, a new Manitoba's Missing Children poster has also been created.

"On the one hand, we are pleased we can circulate this poster because we know it will be an effective way to more widely distribute pictures and details about Manitoba's missing children. However, it is a very sad reality that our province now has enough missing children to fill its own poster," said Christy Dzikowicz, Director of Child Find Manitoba - the missing children services program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

"We are hopeful the new poster will help generate tips and new information about the missing children cases, and ultimately develop new leads for the police that can help them locate the children and bring them home to their families and friends," said Dzikowicz.

In addition to the release and distribution of this poster, Child Find Manitoba has several special events and activities planned for Missing Children's Month designed to raise awareness about missing children cases and to support the families of those missing. Included in this is Voices for the Missing, a new event designed to honour the lives and voices of Manitoba's missing children and their families.

Voices for the Missing will feature performances by accomplished Winnipeg singer/songwriter Don Amero and unique presentations by students from Vincent Massey Collegiate and St. John's Collegiate in honour of our missing children. Media will be invited to attend this special event, however, for the general public it is by invitation-only.

For more details of events and activities taking place during Missing Children's Month, please see the attached backgrounder.

For more information please contact:
Erin Madden, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
(204) 945-5735 or toll free: 1-800-532-9135
Email: erin@protectchildren.ca

BACKGROUNDER:

In 1986, the Solicitor General of Canada declared May 25th to be Missing Children's Day in Canada. Missing Children's Month, an awareness campaign runs through the entire month of May, is intended to draw public awareness to the issue of missing children.

During the month of May, community members are asked to show their support and concern for missing children by prominently wearing a green ribbon. The Green Ribbon of Hope is recognized as a symbol to remember missing children and to seek their safe return. It is also used as an expression of concern for missing children, their families and friends. The concept of the Green Ribbon originated with the students and faculty of Holy Cross Secondary School in St. Catharine's, Ontario following the abduction and murder of Kristen French. In her memory the students and faculty directed that their idea be used exclusively as a symbol of hope by Child Find Canada. The Green Ribbon is a legacy from Kristen.

Child Find Manitoba, a program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, has a number of activities and events planned during this month to draw awareness to the issue of missing children:

Missing and Exploited Children Conference (MECC) - Attended by law enforcement members, social workers, educators and prosecutors, the goal of this three-day training conference is to broaden the knowledge of those involved in child protection surrounding the issues of missing and exploited children. Held in Winnipeg, May 12-14, the conference features presentations from internationally-renowned expert speakers. The leading conference of this type in Canada, MECC provides presentations to attendees on a wide range of issues, including the detection and investigation of child victimization, internet related exploitation and the victim perspective.

Voices for the Missing - On International Missing Children's Day - May 25th - Child Find Manitoba is excited to host a new event which will pay tribute to and honour the lives and voices of Manitoba's missing children and their families.

Stop Sex with Kids Campaign - Child Find Manitoba will re-launch its Stop Sex with Kids campaign, complete with television, radio and outdoor advertising. As many children go missing as a result of involvement in the sex trade, this campaign is important in raising awareness about Manitoba children who are being sexually exploited and to send a message that child sexual abuse is never okay and will not be tolerated. Visit www.stopsexwithkids.ca.

Paper Ribbon campaign - In partnership with Princess Auto, Child Find Manitoba will sell paper ribbons at Princess Auto locations in Manitoba - two in Winnipeg and one in Brandon. All customers will be asked to donate $2, in exchange for a paper ribbon they will sign, and which will be posted in the store for the month of May.

Heroes Rock for the Missing - We are excited to launch our 2nd annual Guitar Heroes tournament. This year will also offer a team component with a Rock Band competition. The tournament will take place in September, with the two finalists squaring off on the Jumbotron during the October 24th Winnipeg Blue Bomber game. Potential competitors will have a chance to hone their skills this month by taking a turn at playing the game on the big screen during the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Spring Carnival, held May 14 - 18.

Teddy Bear's Picnic - Child Find Manitoba volunteers will be on-site at the Teddy Bear's Picnic on May 31st, to run our Play Tag with Your Kids program. The popular program annually reunites over 300 missing children with their parents/guardians at large community events.

All About Me ID Clinics - A number of clinics will be held during May which offers parents the chance to have their children photographed and fingerprinted. The information can be used in the event their child ever goes missing.

NEW LAW OBLIGES ALL MANITOBANS TO REPORT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Public Awareness Campaign Launched by Province: Mackintosh

April 15, 2009 - Manitoba is the first province to enact legislation that makes it mandatory to report child pornography, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

"Child pornography is child abuse," said Mackintosh. "In any of its forms, it is an affront to humanity. Any delay in reporting child pornography gives a green light to those who take pleasure from the rape of children."

The legislation amends the Child and Family Services Act to include child pornography in the existing definition of child abuse. A person who suspects child pornography, including online content, books, photographs and other audio and visual material, must promptly report the information.

Child pornography can be reported online at www.cybertip.ca or by calling a 24-hour hotline operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (1-866-658-9022). If any reports involve children or suspects from Manitoba, child and family services agencies in the province will investigate to ensure children are protected from further abuse.

Data collected by Cybertip.ca reveals that more than 80 per cent of confirmed child pornography websites analyzed by the organization contain images of children younger than eight and 33 per cent of the images capture sexual assaults against the child victims.

"These statistics underscore the prevalence of the crime and the very young age of the victims being sexually harmed," said Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "The first step in creating these images begins with the sexual abuse of children in homes and bedrooms within our own communities. We are confident that this new mandatory reporting law will help reduce the growing number of child victims and the number of images being uploaded to the Internet."

The legislation includes the following new measures:

the definition of child pornography in the Child and Family Services Act mirrors the definition in the Criminal Code;
no person will be required or authorized to seek out child pornography;
an informant's identity will be kept confidential except as required in judicial proceedings or by consent;
it is illegal to retaliate against an informant;
police will have to advise an employer when an employee having access to children in the workplace is charged with a related offence;
Cybertip.ca will report annually to the legislature on its actions under the bill; and
penalties for violating the provisions of the act include a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 24 months.

Following the launching of Tracia's Trust in December 2008, this is another key element of the province's $2.4-million sexual exploitation strategy, Mackintosh said.

"Child pornography is not adult entertainment, nor is it a victimless crime. Every time someone downloads photos or passes on child pornography, they are perpetuating sexual assault, molestation and rape."

In an effort to protect children from the abuse of child pornography, the Government of Manitoba will provide $190,000 to Cybertip.ca. This funding will allow Cybertip.ca to develop the infrastructure needed to support mandatory reporting, as well as assist with public education, said Mackintosh.

To help raise awareness of the duty of Manitobans to report, a multimedia campaign reminding Manitobans that "child pornography doesn't report itself" and "child pornography is child abuse" is now being launched.

Since its launch, Cybertip.ca has received close to 35,000 reports resulting in thousands of websites being shut down, at least 45 arrests and the removal of children from abusive environments.

Backgrounder - MAKING THE CONNECTION

Child Pornography and the Commission of Sexual Offences Against Children

76 per cent of offenders convicted of Internet-related crimes against children admitted to contact sex crimes with children previously unknown by law enforcement. The offenders admitted to an average of 30.5 victims each.¹
Of 1,400 cases of reported child molestation, pornography was connected with every incident and child pornography was used in the majority of cases.²
Child molesters almost always collect child pornography and/or child erotica.³
80 per cent of purchasers of child pornography who were charged were active abusers.⁴
The absence of contact with a child is probably the most significant factor limiting the production of child pornography⁵, making opportunity a central factor in this crime.
Cybertip.ca has received over 35,000 reports, 90 per cent of which are classified by the public as child pornography.
- 37 per cent of incidents are classified by analysts as confirmed child pornography.
- 78 per cent of child pornography incidents relate to websites.
81 per cent of web pages have child abuse images of children under eight years of age.
87 per cent of the images depict girl children.
33 per cent of images depict sexual assaults against children with the remaining depicting sexualized posing.
Only 30 per cent of children who disclose that they have been sexually abused do so during childhood.⁶

¹ Heimbach, Michael J. (2002), statement before the House Committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, 107^th Congress, Crimes Against Children Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
² Rabun, John B. (1984), statement before the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice, 94^th Congress, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
³ Lanning, Kenneth V. (1992), Child Sex Rings: A behavioral analysis for criminal justice professionals handling cases of child sexual exploitation, Second Edition, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
⁴ Kim, Candice (2004), From Fantasy to Reality: The link between viewing child pornography and molesting children, American Prosecutors Research Institute.
⁵ Taylor, Max and Quayle, Ethyl (2002), The use of pictures and picture collections of child sexual exploitation in the identification and location of child victims, prepared for the Department of Justice, Canada.
⁶ National Clearinghouse on Family Violence., sited in Robins, Sydney L. (2000), Protecting our Students, report prepared for the Government of Ontario.

New Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Kit Launched (See news release below)

To download an outline of the contents of the Teatree Tells kit, click here.

To download a copy of our parent guide, It IS Your Business, click here.

Visit www.kidsintheknow.ca for additional resources and information about child safety.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION KIT RELEASED IN RESPONSE TO NATIONWIDE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARRESTS

Teatree Tells: A kit to help educators and parents prevent child sexual abuse

Ottawa, ON: On the heels of the nationwide child pornography arrests announced this morning, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has responded with resources to help Canadians deal with the enormity of the investigation and its implication for children.

"Child pornography is child sexual abuse. The scope and size of this investigation underscores the importance of educating Canadian parents and those who work with children on this serious issue. Canadians are going to want answers on how to prevent child sexual abuse from happening, and we want them to know that our agency is here to help," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Cybertip.ca, which is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, has received more than 35,000 reports from Canadians. Data collected by Cybertip.ca reveals that almost 70% of the confirmed child pornography images involve children less than 8 years of age, and 30% of those capture sexual assaults against the child victim.

"These statistics demonstrate the need for Canadians to recognize signs of child sexual abuse. We want the public to know that our agency has the resources available to help them deal with their concerns and to address their questions," said McDonald.

In addition to the numerous materials and resources available to the public at its website, www.protectchildren.ca, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection today launched Teatree Tells: A Child Sexual Abuse Prevention kit, to help parents and educators with children four to six years of age deal with issues related to child sexual abuse.

The kit includes a parent guide on child sexual abuse and disclosure; two teacher guides with lessons and activities for nursery, kindergarten and grade one children; as well as three posters, a Teatree book and a Teatree puppet for use in the classroom. Teatree is one of the Centre's already established characters used to teach children important safety skills.

"We recognize the issue of child sexual abuse and disclosures may bring about a certain level of fear or discomfort for parents and guardians or any professional who works with children. This kit is meant to help guide them through it," added McDonald.

Earlier today the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC), in coordination with law enforcement units across Canada, held a press conference announcing the arrest of more than 50 individuals for possession and distribution of child pornography.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection applauds the NCECC and law enforcement for their joint efforts and continued commitment to keeping Canada's children safe. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection strongly encourages Canadians to report suspicions of child pornography to Cybertip.ca (www.cybertip.ca) and recommends visiting the website to download information from the Teatree Tells kit and other relevant information and resources.

For more information please contact:
Tish Best, Director of Communications
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-6020 Cellular: (204) 250-7992
Email: tish@protectchildren.ca

ANOTHER CHILD SAVED FROM EXPLOITATION

Kingston arrest highlights importance of reporting suspicious activity to Cybertip.ca

Winnipeg, MB (March 3, 2009) - The recent arrest of a 20-year-old Kingston, Ontario man stands as an example to all Canadians of the importance of reporting suspicious online activity to Cybertip.ca - Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual abuse of children.

On February 12, 2009, Kingston police executed a search warrant on a Kingston residence and arrested a 20-year-old male for luring a 14-year old girl over the Internet. The investigation began after the police received a tip from Cybertip.ca. A mother made a report to the tipline after discovering that her 14-year-old daughter was planning to run away with a person she met on the Internet and who was believed to be a 15-year-old boy from Kingston.

"This young girl was literally saved from potential harm because a report was made to Cybertip.ca. Stories such as this one demonstrate the power one person has in stopping the exploitation of children. The lesson learned here is simple - if your gut tells you that something just isn't right, take the time to report the information to our tipline," said Signy Arnason, Director of Cybertip.ca.

To highlight the seriousness of the situation, Kingston police Detective Stephanie Morgan pointed out that the man arrested was already known to the police as he had just been released from custody after being convicted of physically assaulting another girl that he had met on the Internet. In addition, the accused is wanted in three Provinces for charges including sexual assault and threats against a girl whom he had met on the Internet and then moved in with.

"In a period of just a few days, this accused male had convinced the young girl that he was completely in love with her and orchestrated a plan to meet her in her hometown. We don't even want to think of what might have happened had her mom not made a report to Cybertip.ca," said Morgan.

Kingston Police' first involvement with Cybertip.ca was in 2004 when the tipline received a report that a man from Pennsylvania had travelled five hours to meet with a 14-year-old Kingston girl for a sexual purpose. After a Cybertip.ca analyst forwarded that report to the Kingston police, a large multi-jurisdictional investigation took place involving Kingston Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI.

"The man who was the subject of that investigation, thanks to Cybertip.ca, is now serving a 24-year prison sentence for his involvement with the Kingston girl," said Morgan. "Some of the most serious cases of Child Luring and Exploitation investigated by Kingston Police have been received via Cybertip.ca reports and children have been saved as a result. I can't help but wonder if these incidents would have ever been reported to police had Cybertip.ca not been there to make it happen."

Parents are encouraged to visit the Canadian Centre's websites www.protectchildren.ca and www.cybertip.ca for information on the risks posed to their children and for valuable safety strategies they can use to keep their children safe.

For more information please contact:
Erin Madden, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
(204) 945-5735

CHILDREN LEARN TO BE SAFE ONLINE WITH NEW INTERACTIVE TOOL

Zoe and Molly Online - an essential toolkit for parents and teachers

Calgary, Alberta (February 24, 2009) - A unique, interactive online safety program - Zoe and Molly Online - was launched today by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, in partnership with Shaw Communications Inc, with grade 4 students at Jennie Elliott Elementary School in Calgary, Alberta. The Zoe and Molly campaign is being rolled out to almost 10,000 schools nationwide as part of the 'Be aware before you share' initiative. The launch coincides with Calgary's Online Safety Week, February 21-28.

"According to our student advisory groups, 89 percent of grade 4 students play games online and by grades 5 and 6 they're building online relationships and sending pictures," said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "While these games can be fun and often educational, it is important that children are aware of potential risks and know strategies to protect themselves from potential danger."

The new Zoe and Molly website enables parents and educators to teach children aged 8 to 10 how to be safe when sharing personal information, pictures and videos over the Internet. Children engage through an online game allowing them to create their own avatar and complete the online comic book. The website tools work in tandem with a paper version of the Zoe and Molly comic book, which tells the story of two grade 5 girls who learn how to be safe on the Internet. Zoe and Molly comic books will be distributed to nearly 300,000 grade 4 students across Canada and to homes with children where Shaw technicians are installing internet services.

"Shaw takes great responsibility in ensuring we do our best to keep children safe on the Internet. That's why, as a founding partner of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, we have donated $300,000 to help develop the Zoe and Molly program," said Brad Shaw, Senior Vice President of Operations for Shaw Communications Inc. "Together we are reaching out to the entire community to engage all users to patrol the Internet through Cybertip.ca and to learn how to keep it a safe place for children to learn and grow."

"In any given month, Cybertip.ca averages about 700 reports on everything from Internet luring and child abuse images to exploitive child modeling. This fact only underscores how critically important initiatives like Zoe and Molly are to the overall protection of Canadian children, and how partners like Shaw really do make a difference," added McDonald. "We urge parents to go to the website, engage their children and together take steps to make their online experience a safe one."

"Internet safety is a key issue for all educators and parents," said Rita Dickson, Principal of Jennie Elliott Elementary School. "Students are becoming tech savvy at younger ages, so it is essential that we embed online safety education strategy into our curriculum. The Calgary Board of Education consistently seeks best practice educational practice. This is the reason that we welcome the opportunity to engage our students in new and exciting ways, like the launch of Zoe and Molly online. This type of initiative will help keep our students safe as they learn and communicate online."

Visit www.zoeandmolly.ca to learn more about Zoe and Molly and to access the online game.

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The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a charitable organization dedicated to the personal safety of all children. Our goal is to reduce child victimization by providing programs and services to Canadians. We do this through public awareness activities, our personal safety education program (Kids in the Know), our national tipline to report online sexual abuse of children (Cybertip.ca), and our program to help organizations prevent child sexual abuse (Commit to Kids).

Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business Solutions) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Star Choice). The Company serves 3.4 million customers, including over 1.6 million Internet and 670,000 residential Digital Phone customers, through a reliable and extensive network, which comprises 625,000 kilometres of fibre. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX: SJR.B) (NYSE: SJR).

The Zoe and Molly comic is based on a real case submitted to Cybertip.ca - the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

Contacts:

Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Tish Best, Director of Communications
Office: (204) 945-6020
Cell: (204) 250-7992
Email: tish@protectchildren.ca

Shaw Communications Inc.
investor.relations@sjrb.ca

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2008

PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO PREVENT CHILD
SEXUAL ABUSE

Commit to Kids helps child-serving organizations identify possible threats

WINNIPEG — Children are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse by adults who are well-known to them. This is particularly concerning when we consider that sex offenders often intentionally target child-serving organizations for work or volunteer opportunities. Today, with the launch of Commit to Kids, those organizations will have the tools and know-how to prevent that from happening.

Commit to Kids, a program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, will help organizations create safe environments for children. It provides strategies, policies and a step-by-step plan for reducing the risk of child sexual abuse. The program encourages organizations to take an active, participatory role in protecting children in their care.

“We know that criminal record checks are not enough to keep predators out of organizations,” said the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing. “Manitoba has always been a leader in the fight to protect children, and Commit to Kids is just another example of how collaborative projects can make a huge difference. We look forward to partnering with ten child care centres in Manitoba to pilot and evaluate the program.”

The cutting-edge program will help organizations to prevent child sexual abuse through increased awareness and education. It will teach employees and volunteers the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and provide them with specific strategies on how to prevent abuse. Additionally, those using the program will learn about their legal obligation to report child sexual abuse and ensure that allegations of abuse and misconduct are handled in a sensitive, timely and effective manner.

“We are thrilled to be announcing another tool in our circle of child protection,” said Lianna McDonald, Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “This program is designed to be comprehensive, easy-to-use, and adaptable to organizations of all sizes. I have no doubt that it will improve child safety in organizations.”

Over the next year, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection will be evaluating the program's usability and effectiveness with a number of child care centres in the province.

“We are proud to be a part of this pro-active plan to create safe environments for children,” said Cathy Gardiner, Executive Director of Learning & Growing Daycare Inc. “In an industry where the safety and well-being of children is a primary focus, Commit to Kids offers us the tools to provide our employees and volunteers with specific strategies on how to prevent and detect abuse.”

Commit to Kids includes:

A training kit for organizations, including information on: child sexual abuse; risk assessment and management; creating and enforcing a code of conduct for employees/volunteers; reporting disclosures of sexual abuse and addressing inappropriate behaviour; and policies on hiring, supervising, and training
A 30-minute training video and presentations for employees, volunteers, and parents
A sample child protection manual, complete with draft policies and procedures, that can easily be amended to suit the needs of individual organizations
A guide for parents that teaches them about the issue of child sexual abuse and helps them choose safe programs for their children
Supplemental tools such as reporting cards, website information, checklists and worksheets, and statistics

More information about the program can be found online at
Commit to Kids.

For more information, please contact:
Erin Madden, 204-945-1866

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Media Backgrounder: Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca

Backgrounder - MAKING THE CONNECTION

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION KIT RELEASED IN RESPONSE TO NATIONWIDE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARRESTS

PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO PREVENT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Media Backgrounder:
Child Sexual Abuse Images: An Analysis of Websites by Cybertip.ca

PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO PREVENT CHILD
SEXUAL ABUSE