YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre hosts second annual Youth Cyber Summit

The following release is being shared on behalf of the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre.

YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre is proud to announce its second annual Youth Cyber Safety Summit on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

The 2024 Youth Cyber Safety Summit will provide youth with the necessary knowledge and tools to safely navigate a complex digital world. The Summit will offer engaging and informative workshops, raising awareness about the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its intersection with social media, equipping youth with the knowledge to navigate these challenges safely.

In today’s digital landscape, AI is transforming how we interact, consume media, and communicate. While it offers remarkable benefits such as personalized content and enhanced connectivity, it also brings significant risks, particularly for youth. As young people engage more with social media platforms, the potential for misuse of AI technologies—such as sextortion, cyberbullying, and privacy violations—has become increasingly concerning.

"As technology evolves, so do the risks associated with it. It's crucial that we educate our youth about the implications of AI and how it can affect their online interactions,” says Chief Constable Mark Neufeld, Calgary Police Service. “YouthLink Calgary’s Youth Cyber Safety Summit is a vital step in fostering a safer digital environment."

The Summit will feature keynote speaker Const. Heather Bangle from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit who will provide critical insights into the dangers of child luring, sextortion, sharing of intimate photos, real police cases and investigations. She will provide tools to help youth make informed decisions.

New for 2024, high schools from around Alberta will join the keynote through a live stream portal.

“Our goal is to empower young people to navigate the complexities of the digital world confidently,” says Tara Robinson, Executive Director of the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre. “By understanding the risks posed by AI and social media, we can help them to make safer choices and protect their mental health and personal privacy.”

The Youth Cyber Summit is made possible through the incredible generosity of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation and Rogers.

About YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre:

YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre is a non-profit organization where crime prevention, community policing, and history are at the heart of everything they do. Through innovative exhibits and experiential learning opportunities, YouthLink Calgary aims to inspire and empower youth and families to make safe and responsible choices.