Technology is an important part of how students learn, connect and have fun. Helping children and youth build safe and healthy digital habits is something we can all support.

October is K-12 Cyber Awareness Month, an annual campaign that helps students, families and educators learn how to stay safe, secure and responsible online.

Throughout the month, the UGDSB will focus on four areas:

Digital Me – Secure Habits Matter

Help your child protect their digital identity and personal information. Encourage them to use strong, unique passwords, use multi-factor authentication when available, keep personal information private and learn how to recognize suspicious messages, links and online scams.

Digital Us – Respect and Protect Others

Our choices online affect other people. Talk with your child about being kind and respectful online, thinking before posting or sharing, protecting other people's privacy and knowing what to do when they experience or witness harmful behaviour online.

Digital Families – Healthy Digital Habits

Healthy technology use is about finding balance. Families can help by talking openly about online experiences, taking regular breaks from screens, setting reasonable boundaries around technology and making time for sleep, physical activity and face-to-face connections. Adults can also help by modelling the healthy digital habits we want children and youth to develop.

Digital Minds – Smart and Responsible AI Use

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our digital lives. Encourage children and youth to think critically about AI-generated information, check information against trusted sources and remember that images, videos and information they encounter online may not always be authentic. Students should also understand the importance of protecting their personal information when using AI tools.

Keep the conversation going

You don't need to be a technology expert to help your child navigate the digital world. Ask questions about the apps, games and online spaces they use. Talk about what they enjoy, what concerns them and what they would do if something didn't feel right. Small conversations and everyday habits can help children and youth become safer, healthier and more thoughtful digital citizens.

Learn more: Visit the K-12 Cyber Awareness Month website for tips, information and resources for parents and caregivers.