The sexual exploitation of young people online is the main focus of a local group that is working to spread the word and keep people safe.

Nicole Deveau of the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CASEY) says it’s the number one concern raised by young people, their parents and teachers.

“Every single call and question and concern that’s brought to me recently is around some sort of technology or AI or online sexual exploitation.”

She says they’re seeing a lot of growing concerns about non-consensual distribution of intimate images that “is happening everyday in our schools, all the time.”

Deveau says education about online safety is among CASEY’s main goals, and something they have been working to bring to parents and schools across the province.

She says they started offering sessions about 10 months ago and it’s proven very popular with high demand from parents and caregivers.