Online Safety Info Letter

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We are beginning the Connect[ED] unit (available online at www.reallifeonline.ca) on Internet Safety that addresses Media Literacy and the Healthy Living strand of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the topics that will be covered as well as the Parent Section of the resource.

This unit will cover the following curriculum expectations:

• Identify risks associated with communications technology (e.g., Internet and cell phone use, including participation in gaming and online communities and the use of text messaging), and describe precautions and strategies for using these technologies safely

• Describe various types of bullying and abuse (e.g., social, physical, verbal), including bullying using technology (e.g., via e-mail, text messaging, chat rooms, websites), and identify appropriate ways of responding)

• Communicate effectively, using verbal or non-verbal means, as appropriate, and interpret information accurately as they acquire knowledge and skills related to healthy living

• Use a range of critical and creative thinking processes to assist them in making connections, planning and setting goals, analyzing and solving problems, making decisions, and evaluating their choices in connection with learning in health

It is our belief that you as parents/guardians play the most significant role in the formation of your child’s values and behaviours.

Recognizing the challenge that parents face becoming familiar with, and keeping up with the everchanging world of technology, the website, www.reallifeonline.ca, includes a Parent Section. This section includes age specific information, chat lingo, suggestions for opening a dialogue with your child, how to recognize safe and reliable websites as well as a directory on where to go for more information on related topics. A parent lesson is also included in this unit which will offer the opportunity to open up a dialogue with your child about important issues related to the Internet that were discussed in class and strategies you may want to consider while using the Internet at home. Watch for your child to bring this home in the coming weeks.

Should you have any concerns, or if you would like further information please feel free to email me at ahren.sternberg@tdsb.on.ca

Yours truly,

I have read the letter which introduces the health unit on Internet Safety.

Parent/Guardian Signature: