Reports on recent College activities and a selection of announcements, events and initiatives in the wider education community.
Think before you click
Concerned about privacy protection for young people? Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has launched an instructional package that helps them manage their online reputations.
Think Before You Click is the theme of the student-friendly presentation and accompanying class-discussion topics. One suggested topic is, “Sometimes a funny photo on Saturday night doesn’t seem as funny on Monday.”
Privacy Commissioner spokesperson Anne-Marie Hayden says: “Twenty years ago, young people could make mistakes that would soon be forgotten. Now, the mistakes can follow you for life. We want kids to understand and control the risks of publishing personal information on social networking sites. We want to help them keep personal information private.”
The current privacy presentation package is suitable for Grades 7 to 12. Another for Grades 4 to 6 will be available before the end of the year. “So far, we’ve had a terrific reaction from kids and teachers alike,” Hayden says.
For more information visit www.youthprivacy.ca. Many of the package’s messages echo information in the College’s Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media, released earlier this year. It warns teachers of the possible pitfalls of using e-mail and social networking sites to communicate with students.
