Fort St. John RCMP issues youth social media warning amid mental health and cyberbullying concerns

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John RCMP officers are urging parents to closely monitor youth social media use due to mental health and cyberbullying concerns.

In a news release on January 16th, the RCMP said officers have attended multiple calls for service over the past few weeks related to “youths accessing social media platforms” and sharing their mental health concerns.

The detachment said there have also been reports of alleged cyberbullying and threats exchanged between youths on various platforms.

It noted social media activity among young people often goes unchecked and can have serious consequences. 

According to data from Mental Health Research Canada, cited by the RCMP, youth report the longest screen time and highest social media use of any age group, along with the most severe mental health symptoms. 

Suicidal thoughts are three times more likely among those who have experienced cybervictimization, and youth who use platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat report higher rates of suicidal thoughts than the national average, according to the research.

Concerns related to youth mental health come after the deaths of two youths in Fort St. John over the 2025-26 Christmas break.

The RCMP encouraged parents to speak with their children about online behaviour and to report any bullying or threats they see or hear about. 

Reports can be made directly to the Fort St. John RCMP, while anonymous tips can be submitted through the Erase tool or via the School District 60 website.

“For parents, encourage your children to use this app (Erase) if they witness online bullying or inappropriate activity involving fellow students,” said Sgt. Dwayne Croll, operational support non-commissioned officer for the Fort St. John RCMP. 

“In addition, parents should monitor their youth’s social media activity. Parents should always manage their youth’s cellular or computer activity via parental controls. Please take the time to research internet safety with regards to social media platforms such as Snapchat.”

The RCMP are also pointing parents to several online resources aimed at promoting safer digital habits. 

Snapchat offers guidelines for safer use of its platform, while Safer Schools Together has a parent and caregiver guide titled Raising Digitally Responsible Youth. 

The Canadian Paediatric Society also has a report outlining what parents should know about social media use.

The Fort St. John RCMP says it will continue to work closely with School District 60, Safer Schools Together, Northern Health and the Ministry of Children and Family Development to address youth safety and wellbeing in the community.