Digital Literacy and Safety

Mar 6, 2025

Digital Literacy refers to the ability to effectively and responsibly use digital tools and technologies. For children from kindergarten to grade 12, this means understanding how to find, evaluate, and create information online, as well as knowing how to communicate and collaborate using digital platforms.

Digital Safety involves protecting oneself and others from online risks. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognizing and avoiding scams, and knowing how to report inappropriate or harmful content. Reliable resources can be found here on this page to help guide parents in supporting their child's digital safety.

Key Resources:

	Digital Literacy Parent Resources - Media Smarts
	Raising Digitally Resilient Kids Parental Workshop - Media Smarts
	Raising Digitally Responsible Youth – Safer Schools Together

Expand each of the categories below to learn More about:

▶ Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship means using technology responsibly and ethically. For children, this includes understanding the impact of their online actions, respecting others' rights, and promoting positive online behavior. Parents can find resources here to help teach these values.
▶ Disinformation, Misinformation & News Literacy
Disinformation and Misinformation refer to false or misleading information spread intentionally or unintentionally. News Literacy is the ability to critically evaluate news sources and identify credible information. Parents can access resources here to help their children develop these critical thinking skills.
▶ Generative AI
Generative AI involves artificial intelligence systems that can create content, such as text, images, or music. Parents should guide children on how to use these tools responsibly and understand their potential and limitations. Resources are available here to help parents navigate this technology.
▶ Healthy Use of Devices
Healthy Use of Devices means balancing screen time with other activities and establishing healthy habits with digital devices. This includes setting limits on screen time, encouraging breaks, and promoting a variety of offline activities. Parents can find resources here to help guide their children in developing responsible and balanced digital habits.
▶ Online Exploitation Reporting Tools and Resources
Online Exploitation and Bullying Reporting Tools and Resources provide ways to report and seek help for both online exploitation and bullying. These tools help protect children from predators, inappropriate content, and harmful interactions. Parents can access reliable resources here to understand and use these tools effectively, ensuring their children's safety online.
- Need Help Now (Canadian Centre for Child Protection) - *This is a link for kids to report CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) or sextortion
- Report It Tool (Gov of BC - ERASE Expect Respect & A Safe Education) - *This is an online, anonymous reporting platform designed for students to report any concerns or worrisome behavior they observe at school.
- Cybertip (Canadian Centre for Child Protection) - *This is a link for kids to report CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) or sextortion
- Cybertip - How to Talk to Youth About Sextortion
- Sexting Safety Agreement – Safer Schools Together
▶ Online Privacy and Cyber Security
Online Privacy and Cyber Security involve protecting personal information and understanding how to secure devices and accounts from cyber threats. This also includes teaching children to protect themselves by not sharing private information and understanding the importance of keeping themselves and others safe online. Parents can find resources to help educate their children about online privacy and security practices.
▶ Online Radicalization and Extremism
Online Radicalization and Extremism refer to the process by which individuals are influenced to adopt extreme political, social, or religious ideologies. Parents should be aware of the signs and know how to seek help if needed. Resources are available to support parents in this area.
▶ Popular Social Media Platforms
Popular Social Media Platforms are websites and apps where people connect and share content. Parents should understand the features and risks of these platforms to guide their children's use. Reliable resources can help parents navigate these platforms safely.
▶ Video Games
Video Games are a popular source of entertainment and socialization for children. However, they can also present challenges, such as exposure to inappropriate content and excessive use. Parents should be aware of these challenges and support their children in navigating them. Resources are available to help manage gaming habits and address any issues that arise.