B.C. premier to target abuse after talking to father of 12-year-old sextortion victim
CTV
Premier David Eby says he had a heartbreaking phone call with the father of a 12-year-old British Columbia boy who killed himself after falling prey to online sextortion, and he hopes to honour the boy by seeking more online protections for youth.
Warning: This story references a child who died by suicide, and may be disturbing to readers. A list of resources for anyone in crisis is included at the bottom of the article.
Premier David Eby says he had a heartbreaking phone call with the father of a 12-year-old British Columbia boy who killed himself after falling prey to online sextortion, and he hopes to honour the boy by seeking more online protections for youth.
He said the NDP government is planning changes in the new year in memory of Carson Cleland of Prince George, who police said died in October after being sexually victimized online.
The premier said he spoke with Carson's father, Ryan Cleland, who told him that parents of Carson's classmates said their children were also talking online with strangers.
“I talked to Carson's dad and the courage of him and his family to come forward, especially given the loss they faced over the holiday season, which has got to be just so awful, is remarkable,” Eby said.
“His dad said (they've) been contacted by three families from Carson's class where the kids were talking with strangers through their social apps online just like (Carson) was,” he said.
“I think having had that conversation with him that there's an opportunity for the province to make sure Carson's memory is honoured and we actually go after the real threats that kids are facing.”
