Safer Internet Day aims to educate kids about online safety

ABOVE: Sharon Vinderine from Parent Tested Parent Approved explains what Internet Safety Day is all about

TORONTO – The conversation surrounding online safety for kids and teens is becoming increasingly important  – especially as cyberbullying continues to plague young users in Canada.

Ninety countries worldwide, including Canada, are taking part in Safer Internet Day (SID) Tuesday in order to raise awareness and support for issues that young people face online.

The awareness campaign, which was started as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004, brings to light emerging online issues facing younger generations, including cyber bullying, online luring and concerns surrounding social networking.

But this year the initiative’s theme – “Let’s create a better Internet together” – touches on the issue of cyberbullying, a hot button issue in Canada over the last year.

On Tuesday, a Nova Scotia court issued the first cyberbullying prevention order, as part of the province’s unique Cyber-safety Act law implemented following the death of 17-year-old Rehtaeh Parsons.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia court issues first cyberbullying prevention order

Safer Internet Day will also focus on teens this year, in order to raise awareness about what young people share on social media.

Social networking giant Facebook and MediaSmarts have joined forces with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation to promote the “Think Before You Share” program which educates teen web users on how to share safely.

“Promoting healthy online behaviour in our schools is incredibly important,” said Dianne Woloschuk, President, Canadian Teachers’ Federation in a press release.

“By giving teachers the tools they need to discuss this important topic with teens, they can have a positive impact on digital skills development.”

Students will have access to a guide book that includes tips about using social media safely.

But aside from the usual “don’t share your password” lesson, students are also asked to think carefully before sending a sexually suggestive photo with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or posting content that may reflect poorly on them.

The guide also points out helpful sections of Facebook’s website where users can go to review their privacy settings, or report abusive content.

Tips for parents about online safety

1. Know what features your child’s smartphone is equipped with

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection recommends that parents take the time to learn about what features are included on their child’s smartphone. Parents should know about the phone’s parental controls and whether the phone’s location services are turned on, to ensure third-party applications are not giving away the location of the user.

2. Know your child’s screen names and passwords

The Door That’s Not Locked website encourages parents of younger children, from ages 8 to 12, to know their children’s screen names and passwords for online accounts. The website also encourages parents to be present whenever their child is setting up an online profile.

3. Encourage open communication

Both sites encourage parents to talk to their teenagers openly about their experiences on the Internet, especially when it comes to peer pressure and meeting strangers in chat rooms. This includes speaking openly with teens about things like sharing revealing pictures online, or meeting with a stranger they met online, and the consequences those actions might have.

A complete list of tips and topics for parents can be found on both the Protect Children website and the Door That’s Not Locked website.