Social media puts all kids under scrutiny, not just hers, Laureen Harper says

OTTAWA – When a young person’s private photos suddenly go public, it makes no difference who the parents are — even if they happen to live at 24 Sussex Drive.

And Laureen Harper says kids need to know there are ways to they can cope with the problem.

Harper is helping to promote needhelpnow.ca, a website set up to offer resources to combat online exploitation.

Earlier this month, 17-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons died after a suicide attempt which her family says was linked to photos of an alleged sexual assault circulating online.

Rehtaeh’s mother Leah is scheduled to sit down Tuesday with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss changes to the Criminal Code regarding the online distribution of intimate images without consent.

Laureen Harper says she’s tried to teach the couple’s two children to be careful with what they post online, since the information can spread much father than intended.