Kingston Police Remind Youth to Stay Safe Online and Protect Personal Images

May 14, 2026

Kingston Police are reminding youth and families about the importance of making safe and responsible choices online, particularly when it comes to sharing personal or private images.

Sending intimate or personal photos over Snapchat, text message, social media, or other online platforms may feel private in the moment, but once an image is shared electronically, control over where it goes or who sees it can quickly be lost. Images can be saved, copied, screenshot, or shared without consent, which can have serious emotional, social, and legal impacts.

Police are also reminding young people that receiving a private image does not mean it can be shared with others. Forwarding, posting, or distributing someone else’s personal images without their permission can cause significant harm and can result in criminal consequences.

Kingston Police encourage youth to:

• Think before sending photos or messages online
• Never share someone else’s private images
• Talk to a trusted adult if they feel pressured to send images
• Report concerning behaviour to a parent, teacher, or police
• Use privacy settings and practice safe online habits

Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open, ongoing conversations with children about digital safety, consent, and respectful online behaviour.

Anyone who feels threatened, pressured, or victimized online is encouraged to seek help and report the incident. If a personal image has been shared online, individuals should report the content directly through the social media platform or website as soon as possible, request its removal, and seek support from a trusted adult, school official, or police if needed.

Resources and supports are available for youth, parents, and guardians who may have concerns related to online safety, image sharing, or digital harassment.

https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/

https://cybertip.ca/en/