Privacy Matters is focus of Media Literacy Week 2012

Ottawa, March 15, 2012 – The Media Awareness Network (MNet) and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce that "Privacy Matters" will be the theme of this year's Media Literacy Week, to be held Nov. 5-9.

"Contrary to what adults may believe, privacy does matter to youth and they want the skills to manage their personal information," says Cathy Wing, MNet Co-Executive Director. "Through Media Literacy Week, we hope to shine a light on the privacy knowledge and skills young people need for their online activities."

For his part, CTF President Paul Taillefer explains that the private self and public self of today's youth have become intertwined like never before: "Our role as educators is to help them open their eyes and use their judgment to stay in control of their personal information and ultimately their reputations."

Now in its seventh year, Media Literacy Week continues to grow with over 60 collaborators who took part in 2011, including ministries of education, teacher associations, industry organizations and community groups.

MNet and the CTF are pleased to welcome back YouTube as the 2012 Gold Sponsor of Media Literacy Week.

Visit the Media Literacy Week Web site for more information and how to get involved: http://www.medialiteracyweek.ca/

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Media Awareness Network (MNet) 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. MNet's programs are funded by sponsors, donors and partners, including: BellMedia, Shaw, TELUS, Bell, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, Google and the National Film Board of Canada.

Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) represents nearly 200,000 teachers as their national voice on education and related social issues.

Contacts:
Maya Shoucair, Communications Officer, MNet,
613-224-7721, ext. 231,
mshoucair@media-awareness.ca

Francine Filion,
Director of Communications, CTF,
613-688-4314