Yukon Privacy Commissioner marks Data Privacy Day with new online resource focussing on youth privacy

Thu, Jan 28, 2021

Website now hosts privacy awareness resources for kids, families and educators

WHITEHORSE – The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) for Yukon, Diane McLeod-McKay, has launched a new section on her IPC website to promote awareness amongst children and teenagers of the need to protect their online privacy.

The section was published today, January 28th, which is international Data Privacy Day. Activities on this day are carried out to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices. It is observed across Canada and in many other countries around the globe.

“Privacy awareness is an important message not only for adults, but also for children and youth,” said McLeod-McKay. “Many young children play online games, interact on social media and use other resources on the Internet every day. With the right tools, they can develop good online habits to protect their own privacy, as well as that of their families and friends. In 2017 and 2018, our office visited Yukon schools to make presentations on privacy to Grade 6 students. We found that the students were tech-savvy and receptive to learning more about privacy protection online. This new resource is one more way we can reach out to them with good information.”

The new section on youth privacy awareness, found here, includes materials for children and youth to watch, read or play on their own, such as videos, games, quizzes and a graphic novel. It also includes materials for teachers, families and educators, such as lesson plans, activity sheets, PowerPoint presentations and a poster. The materials were created to appeal to several different age groups, ranging from Grade 4 students to older teens.

“I am very pleased to offer this resource to Yukon children and youth, as well as their families and teachers,” said McLeod-McKay. “We will be reaching out to Yukon schools to ensure they are aware of the materials and know how to access them. Over time, we will develop the web page further, adding more materials and improving any resources that need updating.”

The resources on the new website section include some that were developed in partnership with privacy commissioners across Canada, and others that were developed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC). In advance of this year’s Data Privacy Day, the OPC conducted a Twitter campaign providing tips on privacy awareness. The Yukon IPC supported this campaign by re-tweeting the daily posts.

The Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner, and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner is an independent officer of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. For more information, please go to www.yukonombudsman.ca.

To download a PDF of this news release and tips sheet, click here.

Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Communications Manager
Office of the Yukon Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner & Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner
elaine.schiman@yukonombudsman.ca
867-332-4555
867-334-2975
www.yukonombudsman.ca

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