Authorities suspect that a series of phone threats directed at a Pickering elementary school last week, which resulted in a hold and secure situation, might be linked to an emerging online threat targeting children and teenagers.
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira and Durham District School Board Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor shared in a letter to parents at William Dunbar Public School that early investigation results indicate the involvement of organized online groups collectively referred to as the ‘Com’ (short for the ‘Community’). These groups typically aim at young individuals aged 8 to 17 through popular platforms such as Discord, Snapchat, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and Steam.
“These groups use grooming, manipulation, intimidation, and coercion to exploit youth, which can lead to violent and/or criminal behaviour,” the letter stated.
Police officials along with school administrators feel that engaging children in conversations about the dangers of sharing personal details or images online is crucial in protecting them from these online “predators.”
Ask direct, non-judgmental questions about the platforms they use and the individuals they interact with. Review and monitor online activity. Ensure you have access to your child’s online platforms and regularly check their activity. Pay close attention to platforms featuring chat or group functions.
The joint letter emphasized that online predators build trust by presenting friendship or romantic interest while manipulating youth through fear, guilt, or intimidation. They may coerce victims into dangerous or harmful behaviors like:
Creating or sharing inappropriate and exploitative images or videos Engaging in self-harm or harm toward others or animals Displaying concerning usernames, symbols, or messages If all else fails, the group may resort to “forcing compliance” through threats such as revealing private information, doxing, or ‘swatting,’ according to police.
Warning signs identified by law enforcement include:
Using encrypted apps (Discord, Telegram) without parental knowledge Withdrawal from family activities and secrecy about social interactions Mood swings or declining academic performance Increased secretive usage of phones or electronic devices Showing interest in extreme or harmful ideologies found online New online contacts your child seems overly attached to – or fearful of.
“While individual signs may not indicate a concern, multiple indicators together may warrant attention.”
Parents are also encouraged to report any worries regarding their child’s online activities or individuals on digital platforms who could pose safety risks.
“Even small details can be critical in protecting other children from being targeted and help prevent further incidents at William Dunbar Public School.”
The Durham Police non-emergency number is 1-888-579-1520; parents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
School officials received considerable negative feedback from William Dunbar parents regarding how protocols were handled during this incident. Martine Robinson, superintendent of education for the Pickering Family of Schools remarked that issues arose due to timing during lunch when implementing safety protocols.
“The evolving nature of the situation resulted in varying experiences across the school environment,” she explained.
“Clear implementation of emergency procedures is essential; we recognize additional work is needed for reinforcing our shared understanding at the school level.”
Robinson mentioned that the board plans on collaborating closely with school administration staff and students over the upcoming weeks for reviewing events while strengthening protocols alongside providing extra training and support.
She assured parents that their feedback is taken “seriously.”
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira
Soon after telephone threats were made on January 27th , parents voiced their concerns about how lockdown procedures were handled. Allegedly some children were left unsupervised inside a portable classroom for several hours. Parents even gathered for a rally outside school Monday morning seeking answers.
A few took their frustrations onto social media platforms as well.
“The students were left unattended with unlocked doors. They sat quietly in a corner with all shutters closed and lights off for nearly three hours. This is incredibly frustrating,” expressed one parent whose child was inside a portable classroom.
“I know that administration needs improvement when it comes to communication and responding to these threats since they’ve been escalating since December,” added another concerned parent.
The Durham Police responded shortly before noon following these threats ensuring safety protocols while clearing out students before releasing them around 2:20 p. m.
“When situations involve police-led investigations there are limits regarding what schools can disclose while this work continues,” noted board spokesperson Tashlin Hirani. “However we remain dedicated towards providing verified information swiftly whenever possible.”
“We acknowledge families’ input on how procedures unfolded during this matter,” Hirani affirmed while emphasizing collaboration between administrations aimed at enhancing clarity around emergency measures going forward.”
“We understand families have valid questions post incidents occurring recently within William Dunbar Public School premises.”
“As communicated earlier; immediate responses followed after receiving threatening calls working closely alongside local law enforcement securing scenes thoroughly resulting no ongoing public safety risks posed towards either students nor staff members.”
Robinson reassured families mental health professionals alongside psychological services teams would readily assist those needing help coping up post incidents experienced recently.
“Experiences like this impact kids differently depending upon circumstances they face.” Robinson expressed gratitude towards staff exhibiting professionalism throughout challenging day whilst thanking involved families too showcasing patience enduring unsettling time faced altogether noting commitment towards learning lessons gained ensuring improvements necessary supporting safe nurturing educational environments established moving ahead.
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Last 30 Days: 33,956 VotesUsing encrypted apps (Discord, Telegram) without parental knowledge Withdrawal from family activities and secrecy about social interactions Mood swings or declining academic performance Increased secretive usage of phones or electronic devices Showing interest in extreme or harmful ideologies found online New online contacts your child seems overly attached to – or fearful of.
“While individual signs may not indicate a concern, multiple indicators together may warrant attention.”
Parents are also encouraged to report any worries regarding their child’s online activities or individuals on digital platforms who could pose safety risks.
“Even small details can be critical in protecting other children from being targeted and help prevent further incidents at William Dunbar Public School.”
The Durham Police non-emergency number is 1-888-579-1520; parents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
School officials received considerable negative feedback from William Dunbar parents regarding how protocols were handled during this incident. Martine Robinson, superintendent of education for the Pickering Family of Schools remarked that issues arose due to timing during lunch when implementing safety protocols.
“The evolving nature of the situation resulted in varying experiences across the school environment,” she explained.
“Clear implementation of emergency procedures is essential; we recognize additional work is needed for reinforcing our shared understanding at the school level.”
Robinson mentioned that the board plans on collaborating closely with school administration staff and students over the upcoming weeks for reviewing events while strengthening protocols alongside providing extra training and support.
She assured parents that their feedback is taken “seriously.”
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira
Soon after telephone threats were made on January 27th , parents voiced their concerns about how lockdown procedures were handled. Allegedly some children were left unsupervised inside a portable classroom for several hours. Parents even gathered for a rally outside school Monday morning seeking answers.
A few took their frustrations onto social media platforms as well.
“The students were left unattended with unlocked doors. They sat quietly in a corner with all shutters closed and lights off for nearly three hours. This is incredibly frustrating,” expressed one parent whose child was inside a portable classroom.
“I know that administration needs improvement when it comes to communication and responding to these threats since they’ve been escalating since December,” added another concerned parent.
The Durham Police responded shortly before noon following these threats ensuring safety protocols while clearing out students before releasing them around 2:20 p. m.
“When situations involve police-led investigations there are limits regarding what schools can disclose while this work continues,” noted board spokesperson Tashlin Hirani. “However we remain dedicated towards providing verified information swiftly whenever possible.”
“We acknowledge families’ input on how procedures unfolded during this matter,” Hirani affirmed while emphasizing collaboration between administrations aimed at enhancing clarity around emergency measures going forward.”“We understand families have valid questions post incidents occurring recently within William Dunbar Public School premises.”
“As communicated earlier; immediate responses followed after receiving threatening calls working closely alongside local law enforcement securing scenes thoroughly resulting no ongoing public safety risks posed towards either students nor staff members.”
Robinson reassured families mental health professionals alongside psychological services teams would readily assist those needing help coping up post incidents experienced recently.
“Experiences like this impact kids differently depending upon circumstances they face.” Robinson expressed gratitude towards staff exhibiting professionalism throughout challenging day whilst thanking involved families too showcasing patience enduring unsettling time faced altogether noting commitment towards learning lessons gained ensuring improvements necessary supporting safe nurturing educational environments established moving ahead.
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