Libraries and Schools Make Kids Web-Aware

Libraries and schools in Nova Scotia are playing a leadership role in the development of Internet critical-thinking skills among young people as they go online for information, entertainment and education.

For the last six months, regional public libraries in the province have been working with training materials from the Web Awareness Canada program. Recently, the Department of Education signed an agreement to use the program in the schools. School boards across the province will provide training for teachers and parents.

Web Awareness trainers in each library district are already out in the community presenting workshops to community groups, library staff and the general public.

"As young Nova Scotians spend more time online, Internet literacy is becoming crucial for functioning in the digital age," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We are pleased to work with the Media Awareness Network in implementing the Web Awareness Canada program."

Recent survey information indicates that Canadian parents are not fully aware of how their children are using the Internet. The Web Awareness Canada program addresses this issue with a series of workshops.

The Web Awareness Canada workshops include three modules: Kids for Sale, dealing with online marketing to children and privacy issues; Safe Passage, dealing with online safety and offensive and inappropriate conduct; and Fact or Folly, dealing with the evaluation of online information. All training materials are available in both English and French.

Sandra Himmelman, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations, said the federation supports the Web Awareness Canada program.

"We think the critical-thinking skills that it promotes are essential for anyone working with young people in an online environment," she said.

The Web Awareness Canada program is a key component of the federal government’s strategy to promote safe, wise, and responsible Internet use. This national strategy, led by Industry Canada, was launched earlier this year. Information about it is available at www.connect.gc.ca/cyberwise .

For more information on Web Awareness Canada, visit the Media Awareness Network’s Web site, www.webawareness.org/ .