Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
An online safety course provided by Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services is approaching quickly, and organizers want to make sure parents register soon.
Navigating the internet and ensuring children are safe when they use it is a serious issue that FCSS feels needs to be addressed. The Online Safety Presentation will be held by NSC FCSS on May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Isidore Cultural Centre to help people learn how to navigate the internet safely and to ensure their children also remain safe.
“The presentation will 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.
“It will teach how to navigate online threats such as child luring, sextortion, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive.”
Anyone over 14 years old is urged to take the Online Safety Presentation that will be presented by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE).
“We feel there is a need to address concerns about internet child exploitation,” says Houle.
“ICE works to investigate and combat online threats to youth,” she adds.
The presentation will aim to teach parents and caregivers how to be prepared to protect their children while using the internet. 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.
“Parents and caregivers can learn about the work ALERT 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.
The Online Safety Presentation is hosted by FCSS in partnership with ALERT, ICE, and the Peace River RCMP Community Liaison Officer, Arthur Sunday.
Pre-registration is required. Interested participants can call Houle at (780) 625-3287 or email her at ahoule@northern sunrise.net