I love Canada.  I've been there three times, and was always impressed in one way or another.  And somehow I've assumed that, because it's not Wal-Mart America, people in Canada are smarter than Americans.

Apparently, though, Canadian kids who go online are just as clueless and inappropriately trusting as American kids.  In fact, in a new study conducted by Microsoft Canada and Ipsos Reid, a full 25% of 10-14 year olds think it's perfectly okay to meet in person someone they've only known online.  (Pedophiles, take note.)  And 70% think that whatever they send via Teh Internets is private (the Patriot Act has awfully long arms but someone needs to tell these kids about it).

Fortunately, this being in Canada, people are doing something about this situation, and beginning next month Microsoft Canada is beginning a program for kids and their parents to educate them about the realities of the internet.  (Not that it'll actually do much or reach many people, but at least this way Microsoft can claim due diligence).  For now, though, it's suggested that parents try to keep tabs on their kids when they are using computers, not an easy task when 85% of kids have access to the internet outside the home.  Still, it's a good reminder that part of being a wise parent is staying in your kid's face, whether he likes it or not.