As children become more independent and more responsible for their own safety, they learn the skills for assessing risk, responding to dangerous situations online, and protecting themselves from a variety of social dangers including bullying, abuse, violence, and other risks associated with technology. Children continue to learn about healthy relationships including how to behave inclusively, responsibly, and respectfully with others online. Children also learn about the factors that contribute to their physical and mental health and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between engaging in technology and participating in daily activities to enhance their wellness.1
Avoiding Dangerous Situations When Online
Together (caregiver and child), watch the video Avoiding Dangerous Situations When Online, and then use the Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning from the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation. The Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning can also be used to start a conversation without watching the video.
Video
Description: A young person is sitting alone in their room, playing a virtual war game. A text box pops up on the screen from one of the other gamer “friends” they have met online, inviting them to join a gang. An older sibling comes in to get the young person off of the technology, claiming they spend too much time playing video games, and need to do something else. The sibling sees the message from the gamer "friend". The young person and their sibling engage in conversation to discuss the choices, why they want to join, possible consequences, and the social and legal ramifications. The older sibling decides to talk to their younger sibling about options for resolving the situation.
Discussion Guide
The discussion guide includes Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning that may be used alone or in combination to promote dialogue about Internet safety with your family.
The Impact of Online Violence on Relationships and Communities
Together (caregiver and child), watch the video The Impact of Online Violence on Relationships and Communities, and then use the Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning from the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation. The Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning can also be used to start a conversation without watching the video.
Video
Description: A team is in the change room getting ready for practice. Three teammates are watching a viral video on a cell phone. The video shows random acts of violence and encourages viewers to participate in their own random act of violence, record it, and post it using the #pickagroup; #makeitreal. An older teammate encourages the three younger teammates to earn their reputation by participating in the viral campaign. The three younger teammates decide when and where to meet to complete the challenge. The senior student realizes that they have wrongly encouraged the younger players to commit an illegal act and insists that they do not complete the challenge. The principal meets with the student who posted inappropriate comments about the act on the social media feed.
Discussion Guide
The discussion guide includes Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning that may be used alone or in combination to promote dialogue about Internet safety with your family.
1Excerpted from The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1–8, Health and Physical Education, 2019, p. 155–156