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It’s a danger most people now face, and Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services is offering a course for people to recognize it.
Online safety is an issue that the majority of North Americans face, and one that can pose serious threats to children and adults alike. FCSS will be offering an Online Safety Presentation on May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Isidore Cultural Centre to help people learn how to deal with this concern.
“The reason for offering this presentation is to educate and empower parents and caregivers about the realities of internet child exploitation and provide them with strategies to protect their children,” explains FCSS director Amber Houle.
“Given the increasing prevalence of online threats such as child luring, sextortion, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive.”
Houle urges anyone over the age of 14 years to attend the presentation to gain some knowledge about the potential threats.
“By attending this session, parents and caregivers can learn about the work ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) does, understand the risks associated with the internet and social media, and gain practical tips on how to navigate these issues collaboratively with their children,” Houle says.
“This knowledge can help create a safer online environment for youth and foster open communication within families.”
ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) is presenting the Online Safety Presentation.
“We felt there was a need to address the growing concerns around internet child exploitation in Alberta,” explains Houle.
“The ICE unit specializes in investigating and combating online threats to children, making them well-equipped to provide valuable insights and strategies. The presentation will help ensure that parents and caregivers are informed and prepared to protect their children in the digital age.”
Pre-registration is required. Interested participants can call Houle at (780) 625-3287 or please email her at ahoule@northernsunrise.net.
Topics that will be discussed include understanding the role and efforts of ALERT in combating internet child exploitation, exploring the risks and challenges associated with online platforms and social media, identifying and addressing the dangers of child luring and sextortion, discussing the impact of Artificial Intelligence and new technologies on online safety, and strategies for parents, caregivers, and youth to collaborate and create a safer online environment.
“The frequency of cyber-attacks are rising, impacting individuals and this includes phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.,” Houle explains.
“With more personal data being shared online, concerns about privacy and data protection are growing. Also, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are popular among youth and can expose them to risks such as cyberbullying, sextortion, and privacy invasion.”
Houle adds excessive use of social media is also linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem and body image.
“The course is in partnership with ALERT ICE, the Peace River RCMP community liaison officer, Arthur Sunday, and Nampa/Northern Sunrise County FCSS,” she says.
Houle stresses it is important for parents and caregivers to monitor and guide their children’s social media use, encouraging positive interactions while being aware of potential risks.
“Open communication about online experiences can help mitigate negative impacts and promote safer online behaviour,” she concludes.
Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – South Peace News – southpeacenews.com
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