Today is Safer Internet Day, which takes place in February of each year to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people.
It’s a reminder for parents, caregivers, educators and governments alike to confront the risks that come with being online, including cybervictimization and various types of cybersecurity threats.
Younger Canadians most likely report being victimized online
According to 2022 data from the Canadian Internet Use Survey, 8% of Canadians felt victimized by an incident online, such as bullying, discrimination or harassment (4%) or misuse of personal pictures, video or other content (2%). Canadians aged 15 to 24 years had the highest proportion of those who felt victimized online, specifically for bullying, harassment, or discrimination (6%) and for misuse of personal pictures, videos or other content (3%).
A StatCan study released last year found that one in four Canadian youth (25%) aged 12 to 17 years had experienced at least one form of cybervictimization in 2019. Rates were nearly twice as high among transgender and non-binary youth (47%).
The same study found that youth with a chronic condition (28%) were at higher risk of cybervictimization than those without one (23%).
Cybersecurity incidents affect 7 in 10 Canadians
In 2022, 7 in 10 Canadians (70%) experienced a cybersecurity incident, up from 58% in 2020. The most common incidents reported in 2022 were receiving unsolicited spam (60%) and receiving fraudulent content (40%).
Other reported incidents involved viruses or malicious software, as well as fraudulent payment card use.
Three tips for better Internet security
Secure your accounts with passwords, PINs, and multi-factor authentication.
Secure your devices with regular backups and system updates.
Secure your connections, whether you’re on a home or mobile network, public Wi-Fi, or a virtual private network (VPN).
For more information, visit GetCyberSafe.ca.
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Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).