The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and Media Awareness Network partnered in order to launch a new teaching unit to help students develop safe online practices .
You can read the press release after the jump :"To mark Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and Media Awareness Network (MNet) launched a new teaching unit to help students develop safe and secure online practices.
While studies show Canadian youth are more tech savvy than older Internet users, they are also more likely to take security risks online. Winning the Cyber Security Game aims to give students in grades 5-8 tools and strategies to mitigate and prevent negative online experiences.
“Children are engaging in a wide range of online activities at increasingly younger ages,” said Media Awareness Network Co-Executive Director Jane Tallim. “It makes sense to start young when teaching them tools and techniques to keep their online interactions positive and protected.”
The new teaching unit complements the Cyber Security Consumer Tip Sheet for adults released by CIRA and MNet in April 2011. It covers a wide range of online security issues including online scams, viruses and spam. It also cautions youth of safety and privacy risks in environments that encourage people to share personal information.
“Canadians’ Internet usage is almost double the worldwide average,” said CIRA President and CEO Byron Holland. “It is more important than ever to teach our youth the importance of being safe and secure online. Establishing safe practices will help them enjoy positive life-long experiences on the Internet.”