← All words · Online safety

ActWord · Ages 10-18 · In use

764

The name of a violent online network, part of a wider scene called "The Com", that targets kids and teens to manipulate, threaten and extort them.

For parents and educators

Police say it reaches kids through games and chat apps like Discord, Roblox and Minecraft, then uses threats and coercion to push them into harming themselves or others. Kids who are lonely or struggling are often targeted. The OPP asks families to talk about it. A child caught up in it is a victim, not in trouble.

If you’re worried

If you see this name in your child's messages, or your child is being threatened or pressured online, keep the messages, do not confront the account, and report right away to Cybertip.ca and local police. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

Where it came from

Named by the RCMP and Ontario Provincial Police in public warnings. Linked by police to swatting, doxxing and extortion.

Also heard as

The Com

New words, every Monday.

The Mistlift brief covers what kids are into online, rated from harmless to serious, with what to say.

Get the brief