Authorities suspect that a series of phone threats made to an elementary school in Pickering last week, which resulted in a hold and secure situation and led to students reportedly being left unsupervised for hours in a portable during the investigation, might be connected to a growing online threat impacting children and teenagers.
In a joint letter addressed to parents at William Dunbar Public School, Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira and Durham District School Board Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor stated that initial findings suggest the involvement of a coordinated network of online groups collectively referred to as the ‘Com’ (short for ‘Community’), which targets youth aged 8 to 17 through popular online platforms like 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.
Officials from the police department and school board believe that open conversations with children about the dangers of sharing personal information or images online is crucial for their safety against 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 review their activity. Pay close attention to platforms with chat or group features.
The joint letter indicated that online predators gain trust by offering friendship or romantic attention while manipulating young people through fear, guilt, or intimidation. They may coerce victims into engaging in harmful or unsafe activities such as:
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 will attempt “force compliance” using threats like exposing private information, doxing, or ‘swatting,’ according to police.
Warning signs identified by police include:
Use of encrypted apps (Discord, Telegram) without parental knowledge Withdrawal, secrecy, mood changes, or declining academic performance Increased or secretive use of phones or electronic devices Interest in extreme or harmful online ideologies New online contacts your child seems unusually attached to – or afraid of.
“While individual signs may not indicate a concern, multiple indicators together may warrant attention.”
Parents are also encouraged to report any concerns regarding suspicious online activity or individuals on digital platforms that could pose a safety risk.
“Even small details can be critical in protecting other children from being targeted and help prevent further incidents at William Dunbar Public School.”
The non-emergency line for Durham Police is 1-888-579-1520; parents should dial 9-1-1 if there’s an emergency.
School officials received considerable negative feedback from parents at William Dunbar regarding protocols during this incident. Martine Robinson, superintendent of education for the Pickering Family of Schools noted that the timing of the lockdown created challenges in enforcing safety protocols.
“The evolving nature of the situation including its timing during lunch caused variability in how procedures were experienced across the school environment,” she explained.
“Clear implementation of emergency procedures is essential; we recognize additional work is needed to reinforce our shared understanding at the school level.”
Robinson mentioned that moving forward; they will collaborate closely with school administration staff and students over upcoming weeks to review these events while strengthening protocols through additional training and support.
She emphasized that they take parent feedback “seriously.”
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira
Parents have expressed frustration over how authorities managed lockdown procedures following threats made on January 27. Some claim children were kept inside a portable without supervision for several hours. A rally was held by parents at the school on Monday morning seeking answers.
Additions took place on social media where others shared their discontent.
“The students were left unattended with doors unlocked. They sat in a corner with shutters closed off for nearly three hours. This is very frustrating,” remarked one parent whose child was affected.
“I know administration needs improvement when it comes communicating effectively about these escalating threats since December,” added another concerned parent.
The Durham Police acted swiftly just before noon regarding these threats; they cleared out before lifting restrictions around 2:20 p. m.
“When situations involve police-led investigations there are limits on what schools can share while matters unfold,” said board spokesperson Tashlin Hirani.
“We remain committed sharing verified information promptly as circumstances change.”
“We’ve also acknowledged family feedback regarding procedural experiences and will work closely alongside school management to reassess events while enhancing emergency protocols along with providing more training.”
“We understand families have questions after recent occurrences at William Dunbar Public School. The school responded immediately upon receiving threatening calls working hand-in-hand with Durham Regional Police Service who secured areas conducted thorough searches advising no ongoing public safety risk exists.”
Robinson announced mental health support teams would be available through psychological services if any student needs help coping post-event.
“We realize incidents like this affect students differently.”...
.#611f69;:,,,. nui `. Robinson thanked staff members for their “professionalism and care,” appreciating families’ patience throughout what proved challenging day for everyone involved.
Use of encrypted apps (Discord, Telegram) without parental knowledge Withdrawal, secrecy, mood changes, or declining academic performance Increased or secretive use of phones or electronic devices Interest in extreme or harmful online ideologies New online contacts your child seems unusually attached to – or afraid of.
“While individual signs may not indicate a concern, multiple indicators together may warrant attention.”
Parents are also encouraged to report any concerns regarding suspicious online activity or individuals on digital platforms that could pose a safety risk.
“Even small details can be critical in protecting other children from being targeted and help prevent further incidents at William Dunbar Public School.”
The non-emergency line for Durham Police is 1-888-579-1520; parents should dial 9-1-1 if there’s an emergency.
School officials received considerable negative feedback from parents at William Dunbar regarding protocols during this incident. Martine Robinson, superintendent of education for the Pickering Family of Schools noted that the timing of the lockdown created challenges in enforcing safety protocols.
“The evolving nature of the situation including its timing during lunch caused variability in how procedures were experienced across the school environment,” she explained.
“Clear implementation of emergency procedures is essential; we recognize additional work is needed to reinforce our shared understanding at the school level.”
Robinson mentioned that moving forward; they will collaborate closely with school administration staff and students over upcoming weeks to review these events while strengthening protocols through additional training and support.
She emphasized that they take parent feedback “seriously.”
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira
Parents have expressed frustration over how authorities managed lockdown procedures following threats made on January 27. Some claim children were kept inside a portable without supervision for several hours. A rally was held by parents at the school on Monday morning seeking answers.
Additions took place on social media where others shared their discontent.
“The students were left unattended with doors unlocked. They sat in a corner with shutters closed off for nearly three hours. This is very frustrating,” remarked one parent whose child was affected.
“I know administration needs improvement when it comes communicating effectively about these escalating threats since December,” added another concerned parent.
The Durham Police acted swiftly just before noon regarding these threats; they cleared out before lifting restrictions around 2:20 p. m.
“When situations involve police-led investigations there are limits on what schools can share while matters unfold,” said board spokesperson Tashlin Hirani.“We remain committed sharing verified information promptly as circumstances change.”
“We’ve also acknowledged family feedback regarding procedural experiences and will work closely alongside school management to reassess events while enhancing emergency protocols along with providing more training.”
“We understand families have questions after recent occurrences at William Dunbar Public School. The school responded immediately upon receiving threatening calls working hand-in-hand with Durham Regional Police Service who secured areas conducted thorough searches advising no ongoing public safety risk exists.”
Robinson announced mental health support teams would be available through psychological services if any student needs help coping post-event.
“We realize incidents like this affect students differently.”...
.#611f69;:,,,. nui `. Robinson thanked staff members for their “professionalism and care,” appreciating families’ patience throughout what proved challenging day for everyone involved.
` Situations such as these are unsettling; however we’re dedicated learning from this experience while improving practices ensuring safe orderly supportive environments within schools.”
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