Looking back on 2012

It's been a big year for our website! We've redesigned it from the ground up to make it more up-to-date, comprehensive, and easier to search. Our users have responded enthusiastically to the new look and feel.

MediaSmarts and Facebook Tackle False News in Canadian Initiative

MediaSmarts is partnering with Facebook Canada to help Canadians become better informed readers in the digital age. False online content isn't a new problem, and it's not unique to Facebook, but it is up to all of us to fight it. Many of us lack the search, authentication and critical thinking skills we need to find accurate information online and to recognize false or misleading content. That’s why MediaSmarts has partnered with Facebook to help build the authentication skills of all Canadians.

New tips and resources on screen time for parents

Kids today are using screens more, earlier, and on a wider variety of devices than ever before, and more and more parents are seeking help in taking control of their children’s screen time.

Outcome Chart - British Columbia - Career Education K-3

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the BC Career Education K-3 curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Once Upon a Time

In this lesson, students become aware of the idea of stereotyping and the role that stereotypes play in the stories and movies that they enjoy.

Film Classification Systems in Québec

In this lesson students learn about the systems used to classify films, TV programs and video games. Students are asked to take a critical look at the criteria applied to classify these media products, and then take into account and discuss the underlying social and political aspects arising from those systems.

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Social Studies 20-2 - Grade 11

This outcome chart contains Media literacy learning expectations from the Alberta social studies curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart – Nunavut –Social Studies 20-1

Strand: Nunavusiutit

Overall Expectations:

Specific Expectations:

S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:

• assess the validity of information based on context, bias, sources, objectivity, evidence or reliability
• predict likely outcomes based on factual information

S.9 develop skills of media literacy:

Think Before You Share for Safer Internet Day 2015!

February 10 is Safer Internet Day (#SID2015): an annual international event organized by InSafe to help promote safer and more responsible use of online technologies, especially by young people. MediaSmarts and Facebook want you to help us mark the day by reminding youth to “think before they share” online!

Happy International Women’s Day 2016!

March 8 is designated around the world as International Women’s Day, a day for recognizing women’s achievements, as well as the inequities that women face. This year, the United Nations’ theme is Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality, focusing on the UN’s 2030 Agenda. The theme for Status of Women Canada – #YouAreEmpowerment – is also about working towards gender equality.