Technology is prevalent in the lives of young people today - it not only entertains them, they utilize it as a research and educational tool and rely on it to maintain social networks. Digital literacy is extremely important - just as important to future success as basic reading and numeracy skills. But just like the real world, the Internet has potential dangers kids need to know about. As part of Microsoft Canada's commitment to helping children stay safe while online, Take Back the Net was created - an online safety program dedicated to raising awareness and educating Canadian families.

Helping children stay safe online

In 2007, Ipsos-Reid released a poll of parents and their children ages 10-14 with Internet access at home. The poll examined online behaviour and whether these groups understood the risks associated with the Internet. The survey revealed key misunderstandings about the web, including that 70% of children believe the information they put online or send to friends is private.

To help educate parents, children and educators, Microsoft Canada embarked on a cross country educational tour visiting Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, and Montréal. Paul Gillespie, former police officer and President and CEO of the Kids' Internet Safety Alliance (KINSA) shared findings of the survey and offered years of personal experience and perspective. Click here to watch an introductory video about KINSA.  

"The presentation on online safety was extremely informative for all of us. It was a real eye opener for many students who just saw the Internet as a fun place to 'play around' and the parents in the audience were grateful because their children were being shown how to handle potentially dangerous situations."

- Rebecca Hollingsworth, Vice President of an intermediate school, Kanata, Ontario

Helping parents protect their children online

Microsoft Canada released research on parents' understanding of online safety issues and how they can help their children stay safe online. Read all the key findings here . Microsoft Canada shared online safety tips with parents across Canada as part of its first Internet Safety Media Tour.

Take Back the Net Army

Microsoft Canada employees volunteers across the country, giving online safety presentations in schools, community centres and libraries to help parents and educators  understand online safety and how to effectively work with youth to make online exploration fun. If you belong to a community or school organization and would like to request a free online safety presentation, click here.

Since making online safety a company-wide priority, Microsoft Canada has seen a remarkable change in the behaviours of Canadians. Please click here to see Microsoft Canada's online safety guidelines.

Comments

Temiskaming & District Victim Crisis Assistance & Referral Service wrote re: Internet Safety - Take Back the Net

on 02-25-2009 3:41 PM

I heard Gavin Thompson on Canada AM this morning and thought he would be a great speaker at our upcoming NorthEastern Ontario VCARS volunteer Conference on Saturday, May 30, 2009. We are expecting over 100 VCARS volunteers from North Eastern Ontario, Community partners who work directly with children, and OPP officers to be in attendance at this conference. To learn more about what VCARS is all about, visit our website at www.temiskamingvcars.com If Gavin or a member of his team would be intrested in educating crisis responders in NorthEastern Ontario, about safety on the internet, please contact me at your earliest conveineice.

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