Information and Privacy Commissioner Visiting Schools

Wed, May 03, 2017

INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER VISITING YUKON SCHOOLS

Presentations to students focus on need for protection of privacy

A new initiative by Yukon’s Information and Privacy Commissioner is working to educate elementary school students about the need to protect their own privacy, in particular when using online technology to access social media. Diane McLeod-McKay has designed a presentation to help students think about the information they are sharing online and what impacts that could have on themselves and others.

“Young people today are beginning to use technology very early in their lives,” said McLeod-McKay. “They often reveal a great deal of personal information online, without fully understanding the potential effects. The goal of this presentation is to help them understand these risks and consequences, so they can protect their reputation and privacy, along with those of others.”

McLeod-McKay is visiting schools throughout Yukon in May and June, meeting primarily with Grade 6 students. She worked with the Yukon Department of Education on the design of the presentation, to ensure it offers skills development and experiential learning in line with the new curriculum.

“I’m pleased and excited to be delivering this presentation to students around the territory,” added McLeod-McKay. “We’ve designed it to be entertaining and accessible, while still getting across important messages about protecting privacy. We’re using technology such as tablets and a Power Point presentation, and other elements including life-size puzzles and role play to help engage the students.”

McLeod-McKay has been working with Yukon theatre artist and musician Claire Ness to create and deliver the presentation. It is being given in schools in Carmacks, Ross River, Faro, Pelly Crossing, Mayo and Dawson during the first week of May. Visits to schools in Watson Lake, Teslin, Carcross and Haines Junction will take place during the following week. The presentation will travel to Old Crow on May 15th and will take place in Whitehorse schools from mid-May until June 9th. Other initiatives to engage with students on privacy are in the planning stages.

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.ombudsman.yk.ca.
 

Contact:

Elaine Schiman                      

info@ombudsman.yk.ca

867-334-2975