Join us for Canada's first AI Literacy Day
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way information is created, shared and consumed. Tools that generate text, images and videos blur the boundaries between what is authentic and what is artificially produced. How do they know what to trust and how can they recognize when bias, error or manipulation might be at play?
On March 27, 2026, MediaSmarts is launching Canada's inaugural AI Literacy Day to empower Canadians to gain the knowledge and skills needed to use, understand and engage with AI safely, critically and responsibly.
Use #AILiteracyDay and the resources below to learn and share with your school, family and community.
What is AI literacy?
AI literacy means understanding how artificial intelligence tools work and how they shape what we see and do online. AI is behind many everyday tools, from content recommendations to chatbots.
These systems are not neutral. They can reflect bias, get things wrong or collect our personal information. That’s why AI literacy is an important part of digital media literacy. It helps people of all ages — especially young people — ask questions, make informed choices and use technology safely and responsibly.
Learn More
Resources
Talking to Kids About AI: Tips for Parents
Tip sheet
It may be hard to believe, but most kids think that their parents are way more tech-savvy than they really are! That’s why we need to be ready to talk to them about all of the tools, technology and devices in their lives – including AI. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Understanding AI: Online content
Tip sheet
This tip sheet explains how different forms of AI shape the content we see online, outlines the risks of misleading or biased AI-generated media, and offers practical strategies to help families critically evaluate information and support kids in using AI safely and responsibly.
Spotting deepfakes
Tip sheet
Have you ever seen a photo or video online that seemed too good to be true? With today's technology, it's getting harder and harder to tell what's real and what's fake, especially with things called deepfakes.
Break the Fake
Fact-checking hub
It’s harder than ever to tell what’s real just by looking at it. But you can find out what’s true, and it usually takes less than 30 seconds. Learn how!
What is AI?
A guide
This guide provides an overview of what AI is – and in particular Generative AI – and gives two examples of main AI tools you are likely to encounter. Then it explains some key ethical and social issues related to Generative AI.
Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about AI and Privacy
Study
MediaSmarts conducted focus groups with youth ages 13 to 17 to gain insight into how young Canadians understand the relationships between artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, privacy, and data protection.
For educators
AI is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s something students encounter every day. Whether they’re using voice assistants, translation apps, chatbots or scrolling through social media feeds shaped by algorithms, young people engage with AI constantly, often without realizing it. That makes AI literacy an essential part of media literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and critical skills to understand, question and use AI responsibly.
Addressing AI in the Classroom: Tips for Teachers
Tip sheet
Teachers can play a critical role in educating their students about AI, even if they aren’t experts on it.
Understanding AI tools
Lesson plan (Grades 6-12)
This lesson introduces students to how AI tools and algorithms work, how they use personal data and why critical thinking and ethical use are essential when interacting with artificial intelligence.
Interacting with AI
Lesson plan (Grades 6-12)
In this lesson, students explore how chatbots work, examine the emotional and ethical impacts of interacting with them, and learn to create effective prompts while protecting their privacy and well-being.
Unpacking the Black Box: Explaining Algorithms and AI
Lesson plan (Grades 9-12)
In this lesson, students learn about algorithms and AI, how they work, how they impact our lives on the internet, and ethical considerations.
#ForYou: A Game About Algorithms
Game
#ForYou is a card-based pattern-matching game that helps youth aged 13 to 18 understand the role that algorithms play in their online and offline lives, and the value of their personal information to companies that use those algorithms.
