Online Safety for Youth

Humans have a strong need to interact, communicate and connect with one another. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaped society’s need for technology as a means to stay connected more than ever before whether it be with family, friends, classmates, colleagues, cyberworld, entertainment and global news updates.

Our need to stay connected has increased our engagement in our online community. Members of our online community can be friends, family, strangers, adults, kids or people in our geographic regions. Just as we have rules and laws in our physical community, there are online rules and laws in place to keep all members safe. Within our online communities, all members have responsibilities guiding their behaviours and interactions. These include a responsibility to display online manners, interact on safe and trusted sites, to be mindful of what is sent, posted, or shared online and to reach out to a trusted adult for help when you’re unsure if a situation is safe.

These days, youth are exposed to technology at a young age. It’s common to see toddlers using an iPad, young children filming Tik Toks and young adults scrolling through social media feeds. The evolution of technology has rapidly advanced and youth have developed the skill set to use it. When we do not behave properly online and treat others unkindly or disrespectfully, we are demonstrating cyberbullying. Negative social interaction can impact a person’s mental health and well-being.

In order to educate youth about online safety and issues like cyberbullying, Service Hospitality has developed a presentation informing students on how to be safe in their environment and community.

Visit our website for more information on our Grade 4/5 Community Safety presentation.

To book a virtual presentation contact [email protected]