Parents attend information workshop on cybersafety

Charlottetown police gave a workshop Thursday night on how to talk to your kids about cyber bullying and sexting.

Denise Bulger, who has two children, was at the workshop. She has already talked to her kids about cybersafety, but she said it’s hard and as they grow older she is looking for new ways to approach the topic.

“It is scary, I have some friends with children that are older than ours and I've heard some of the stories they've had to deal with,” said Bulger.

“It's a more difficult world than we grew up in.”

Many of the parents who filled the gym at Birchwood Intermediate felt the same way.

Charlottetown police Const. Tim Keizer, who has experience with community policing in local high schools, said keeping kids safe online is all about asking the right questions, whether it’s about using the computer or a mobile phone.

“We want to make sure the parents are asking the kids the proper questions,” said Keizer.

“What are you looking at? What sites are you on? What apps are you using?”

School councillor Julie McCabe said parents are often shocked to hear what's going on, but it's important to stay connected.

“We need to take that time to slow down and find out what's really happening and have the tools to able to talk to our kids,” said McCabe.

Charlottetown Police Services are also planning to work with youth directly on the issue, starting  a peer-to-peer program in February.

For mobile device users: Have you talked to your children about cyber safety?