Simcoe County District School Board

Growing up today means learning, playing, and interacting in a world that is always connected. Supporting students' digital well-being is a journey we are all on together. Whether you are navigating your child’s first device or helping a teenager manage their online reputation, these resources are designed to provide a foundation for fostering safe, healthy, and responsible digital habits. Through this collaborative approach, we aim to provide families with reputable materials and tools that support student well-being and safety as they navigate complex online environments.

Before diving into specific topic areas, we invite you to explore these foundational resources that frame why being aware and discussing digital safety and citizenship is critical in today’s world.

🎥 WATCH: Digital literacy: Build media skills & stay safe online
This brief video explores why building media skills is essential for staying safe in a connected world.

An overview of the current digital landscape from ProtectKidsOnline.ca, helping parents stay ahead of new trends and challenges.

How to engage with the resources:

1. Choose a topic – Select one of the four topic areas below that best fits your family’s current needs.
2. Build your capacity – Review curated "read, watch, or engage" materials designed to build your knowledge and confidence as a parent/guardian.
3. Engage your child(ren) – Participate together in the family activities, categorized by division (K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12), to spark conversation and build healthy digital habits together.

When help/support is needed

While exploring online environments, you or your child may encounter content or behaviour that feels unsafe, harmful, or inappropriate. Recognizing when to seek support is a key part of digital citizenship. Please use the below avenues to ensure the concern is addressed appropriately.

School-related concerns related to online harm: 

•  For immediate safety concerns please contact your local police service. 
•  You are encouraged to reach out to your child’s teacher and the school principal.
•  If you encounter issues that impact the school environment, such as cyberbullying, digital conflict between students, or safety concerns involving your school community, please use the Safe Schools Reporting Tool . Please note, completing a report online is not a substitute for having a discussion with your teacher or principal.
•  Cybertip.ca: Canada’s tip line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
•  NeedHelpNow.ca: Support for youth regarding the unconsented sharing of intimate images.

Note: These resources are a foundational starting point for family dialogue, not an exhaustive list. As the digital landscape shifts, we will continue to update and add materials. We value your perspective. Please provide your feedback to help us keep these resources useful for our community.