Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner shares new resources for youth on Data Privacy Day 2022

Fri, Jan 28, 2022

Graphic novel, discussion guide and blog now available via IPC webpage for youth

WHITEHORSE – The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) for the Yukon, Diane McLeod-McKay, is marking international Data Privacy Day today by providing access to new resources on privacy for youth, developed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC).

“Last year, we chose this day to launch a new section of my IPC website to promote awareness amongst youth of the need to protect their online privacy,” said McLeod-McKay.  “This year we are sharing new resources developed by the OPC to inform youth about the privacy risks when using personal devices such as a smartphone, and other technology, to go online. It can be challenging for parents or guardians to monitor what youth are accessing on the internet, so some of these resources are specifically designed to inform youth themselves about the risks. They include a graphic novel, a discussion guide and a blog.”

The graphic novel features a talking smartphone that serves as a youth’s guide through the risky online world. The discussion guide can be used by educators to generate conversation and learning. The blog describes how parents or guardians could lead a ‘family tech talk’ with youth, pointing to tools and ideas located on the OPC website. All these materials are available here.  

Copies of the graphic novel are available by contacting the IPC office in the Yukon at 867-667-8468 or tollfree 1-800-661-0408 (ext 8468) or via email at info@yukonombudsman.ca.

“Because many children and youth spend so much time on the internet, privacy awareness is an important topic,” said McLeod-McKay. “During the pandemic, they often need to go online just to access school classes or educational resources. It’s important that they have the right tools and develop good online habits to protect their privacy, as well as that of their families and friends.”

The OPC website also gives examples of increased international attention to the issue of privacy for children and youth over the last few years. Data protection authorities around the world recently adopted a resolution on children’s digital rights. It notes that the digital environment both provides important opportunities for youth and creates risks of infringement of their rights, especially to privacy. Global data protection authorities have adopted a resolution highlighting the importance of an International Competency Framework on Privacy Education. In addition, the OECD Council Recommendation on Children in the Digital Environment calls on governments to lead in protecting the interests of children in the digital environment, including to promote digital literacy as an essential tool and encourage technology providers to design their services with children’s safety in mind.  

“Given the importance of ensuring youth are protected while online, I encourage the Yukon government, educators, parents and guardians to use these resources, as well as others available on the IPC website youth page,” added McLeod-McKay.

Activities on Data Privacy Day or Data Privacy Week are carried out around the world to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices.

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, 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 or 867-334-2975
www.yukonombudsman.ca

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