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Ottawa, ON (January 22, 2014) – Canadian children and teens are more connected to the online world than ever through a variety of portable devices, and more connected to others through social networking, according to new research released today by MediaSmarts. Although boys and girls have different experiences online, the Internet is an important source for seeking information, entertainment and socializing for all young Canadians.

Ottawa, ON (November 4, 2013) – MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital and media literacy, recognized the start of Canada’s 8^th annual Media Literacy Week with the release of a series of new resources and activities for parents, teachers, children and youth.

The week, which runs from November 4 to 8, is hosted by MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF). Activities are taking place across Canada to recognize the importance of media and digital literacy skills for young people.

Ottawa, ON (November 1, 2013) – To kick off the eighth annual Media Literacy Week, high school students from across Canada spent the morning discussing marketing and consumerism with a panel of experts. The students, who are taking part in the Encounters with Canada youth forum program, explored a wide-range of marketing issues affecting youth, including food advertising, body image, marketing practices on cell phones and apps and alcohol and tobacco promotions.

Ottawa, ON (October 1, 2013) – In recognition of Cyber Security Month, MediaSmarts—a Canadian centre for digital and media literacy—has launched a series of digital citizenship resources. Stay on the Path: Teaching Kids to be Safe and Ethical Online is a new program for parents and teachers to teach young people to be ethical online citizens.

Ottawa, ON (May 7, 2013) – MediaSmarts: Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy is pleased to announce that the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has increased its 2013 support to the organization to become a Gold-level sponsor.

Ottawa, ON – In the wake of the April 10 release of UNICEF’s Child Well-Being in Rich Countries study, Canada’s leading digital literacy organization MediaSmarts is calling for more education to address bullying, both online and off.

Overall, Canada ranks number 17 of 29 wealthy countries in the study; however, where children’s views of their own life satisfaction are measured, Canada falls to the bottom third.

Ottawa (April 3, 2013) - Canadian parents who are worried about managing their children’s media world now have help as MediaSmarts unveils a new blog dedicated to parents.

‘MediaSmarts Mom’ blogger Andrea Tomkins will bring her thoughts, recommendations, and tips from the perspective of a mother who’s raising her kids in a constantly evolving media age.

Ottawa (March, 2013) MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce that marketing and consumerism will be the focus of Canada’s eighth annual Media Literacy Week, to be held November 4-8, 2013.

The official theme of the week: “What’s Being Sold: Helping Kids Make Sense of Marketing Messages” , will encourage educators and parents to talk to children and teens about the marketing they encounter on a daily basis.  

Ottawa, January 14, 2013 – MediaSmarts (formerly known as Media Awareness Network) is pleased to announce that Rogers has joined the organization’s team of supporters as a Gold Sponsor.

Montreal, December 4, 2012 – Laurier Macdonald High School in St. Leonard joined with schools across Quebec at an event to launch Media Literacy Week 2012. Students had the opportunity to talk with a panel of experts about online privacy as part of this year’s theme Privacy Matters.