Sask. ICE Unit urges parents to monitor kids' Internet use

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While he couldn’t speak to why, nor to precise monthly numbers, Lambie noted last year at this time saw something of an increase in child luring cases.

“And currently, this year, April, there’s another little bit of an increase in luring,” he said. “It’s not really a spike, but I can see it’s up a little bit.”

Recently, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection issued an alert through Cybertip.ca, warning parents and guardians about the dangers children face, particularly since the COVID-19 situation could mean additional unrestricted time online.

The alert noted risks that can occur through online gaming and video chatting as well as popular apps like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Kik, among others. Cybertip.ca analysts have reportedly classified 600 reports in Canada over the past two years as child luring, including through several such apps.