Kids to learn the importance of being inclusive online for Media Literacy Week 2017

OTTAWA – MediaSmarts, Canada’s leading centre for digital and media literacy, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) today announced this year’s Media Literacy Week, to be held Nov. 6 to 10, will focus on diversity and inclusion online for children and teens.

“Inclusion in a Connected World: A Place and a Voice for Everyone” will promote ways in which diverse voices, perspectives and talents can participate and enrich our media and digital spaces. The week will highlight how young people can create welcoming digital environments and engage in respectful dialogue online.

“Everyone benefits from inclusive online spaces that allow people to share their unique perspectives,” says Cathy Wing, Co-Executive Director of MediaSmarts. “If we want to build a friendly online culture for children and teens, we need to engage them as the next generation of users and creators.”

“Teachers can challenge students to address critical questions about diversity and inclusion of different voices, both online and in person,” says CTF President Heather Smith. “As digital citizens, students have much to share and offer in terms of lived experiences and creative approaches through these discussions.”

Media Literacy Week, an annual event co-hosted by MediaSmarts and CTF, highlights the importance of teaching children and teens digital and media literacy skills. Over 100 collaborating organizations – which include Girl Guides of Canada, YWCA and teacher associations – participate each year by organizing activities across Canada and internationally. Media Literacy Week was officially adopted in the U.S. in 2015, where it is led by the National Association for Media Literacy Education.

MediaSmarts and CTF welcome TELUS as a Platinum Sponsor and Bell and YouTube as Gold Sponsors of Media Literacy Week 2017. Announcements for events, programs, partners and more will continue leading up to Media Literacy Week. For updates, visit medialiteracyweek.ca or sign up for the e-bulletin.

-30-

Media inquiries:

MediaSmarts: Liz Berman, Marketing and Communications Manager: lberman@mediasmarts.ca,
613-224-7721 x231

CTF: Francine Filion, Director of Communications: ffili@ctf-fce.ca, 613-688-4314

About MediaSmarts

MediaSmarts is a Canadian not-for-profit centre for digital and media literacy. Its vision is that young people have the critical thinking skills to engage with media as active and informed digital citizens. MediaSmarts offers hundreds of digital and media literacy resources for librarians, parents and educators on its website mediasmarts.ca. @MediaSmarts

About CTF

Founded in 1920, CTF is a national alliance of provincial and territorial Member organizations that represent over 232,000 teachers across Canada. CTF is also an affiliate of the 32-million member Education International. @CanTeachersFed