On Monday night and Tuesday of this week I attended the annual Atlantic HTCIA conference. As part of this conference we always have an evening public session on internet safety. This is a great opportunity for families and members of the community to come out and gain some insight into current internet safety issues.

The highlight of this years evening session was a powerful presentation from Signy Arnason (Director, Cybertip!ca - Canadian Centre for Child Protection). She provided a presentation that struck even those of us that have been hardened by some of the internets darker sides. Highlighting some specific cases of child abuse that the center has encountered in recent years.

One of the things that I brought away from the evening session was a great quote.

"Children need to have privacy but the Internet is not a private space."

I think that quote captures the importance of parents understanding how their children are using the Internet.

So parents, please:

• Keep your family computers in a common area (not behind closed bedroom doors.)
• Be aware of what your children are doing online.
• Take an active role in educating your children on Internet (and general) safety issues.

Check out CyberTip.ca today.