OPP has kids safety program online

The OPP has teamed with the Ontario Physical and Health Association to launch a program to educate students, teachers and parents about Internet safety.

The Connect[ED]; Real Life Online program is free and designed for students in grades 4 to 6 that helps them examine and develop online practices and behaviour as they would do in real life. It also provides a tool to teachers who need to stay up-to-date with students’ online activities, and parents who need to be equipped to deal with issues that may arise from their children using the Internet.

With more than 94 per cent of children accessing the Internet at home, the OPP helped develop the program so that it effectively addresses current issues such as “netiquette,” cyber-bullying, security and privacy.

“Safe online practices by children have always been a priority to the OPP and this new program will help enhance their safety,” said Inspector Leslie Craig, manager of the OPP Crime Prevention Section.

“Internet exploitation and threats prevention is one of a number of objectives carried out by the OPP Youth Issues Unit and we are pleased to be working with [the association] towards achieving the same goals for our kids.”

The program is being delivered to schools throughout Ontario in September and the OPP will be joining Ophea, Kids Help Phone and the Ministry of Education to deliver seven regional training sessions on the program to ensure that teachers are supported in their efforts to educate their students about Internet safety.