Cyber Resources for Parents & Guardians

Dear Parents and Guardians of Portage la Prairie School Division,

We recognize the critical importance of fostering a safe and responsible digital environment for our young learners. As partners in education, we share the responsibility of guiding our children through the vast online landscape. Together, we can empower them to become ethical digital citizens who navigate the internet with confidence and discernment.

Our Commitment to Online Safety

At Portage la Prairie School Division, we are committed to providing a secure and supportive learning environment for all students. Here’s how we’re actively addressing online safety:

1. Education and Awareness: We believe that knowledge is power. Our educators regularly engage students in discussions about online safety, privacy, and responsible digital behavior. We encourage parents to reinforce these conversations at home.

2. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: We work closely with law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit. They provide valuable insights on social media safety, risky online behavior, and strategies to protect our children from potential harm.

3. Parent Portal - PowerSchool: Our Parent Portal offers secure online access to our Student Information System (SIS). Parents and guardians can view attendance records, assignments, and course-level grading. Rest assured, your child’s private information remains confidential.

Together, Let’s Foster Responsible Digital Citizens

As parents, guardians, and educators, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s online experiences. Let’s continue this journey together, ensuring our kids thrive in the digital world while staying safe and informed.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to our students’ well-being.

If you're a Canadian parent or guardian looking for resources related to cyber safety and parenting in the digital age, here are some helpful suggestions:

1. MediaSmarts - Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy:

   • Website: MediaSmarts
   • Description: MediaSmarts provides resources and information to help parents, educators, and youth understand and navigate the digital world. They offer a variety of resources on digital literacy and online safety.

2. Cybertip.ca - Canadian Centre for Child Protection:

   • Website: Cybertip.ca
   • Description: The Canadian Centre for Child Protection operates Cybertip.ca, which provides resources and information to help protect children from online exploitation. They offer resources for parents on topics such as online safety, privacy, and cyberbullying.

3. Get Cyber Safe - Government of Canada:

   • Website: Get Cyber Safe
   • Description: This is a resource provided by the Government of Canada, offering information and tips on how to stay safe online. It includes resources for parents, including advice on protecting children in the digital world.
     
     
4. Online Disinformation - Disinformation is false information that is deliberately intended to mislead. It is sometimes called “fake news”.
   • Website: Online Disinformation 

5. Canadian Paediatric Society - Digital Health Task Force:

   • Website: Canadian Paediatric Society
   • Description: The Canadian Paediatric Society has a Digital Health Task Force that provides guidance and resources for parents on children's screen time, digital health, and online safety.

6. Parenting in the Digital Age - Canadian Pediatric Society Podcast:

   • Podcast Link: Parenting in the Digital Age
   • Description: The Canadian Pediatric Society has a podcast series that covers various topics related to parenting in the digital age, including screen time, online safety, and digital literacy
7. RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit -
   • Learn from experts about social media safety, criminal aspects of online behavior, and strategies to support mental health concerns related to digital platforms.
8. Family Link from Google - Family Link provides tools that respect families’ individual choices with technology, helping them create healthy, positive digital habits. With easy‑to‑use tools, you can understand how your child is spending time on their device, share location, manage privacy settings, and find the right balance for your family.*

Remember to check these resources regularly for updates and new information, as the digital landscape is continually evolving.