Quebec Competencies Chart - Exposing Gender Stereotypes

Quebec Competencies Chart - Exposing Gender Stereotypes

Online Sexual Predators

The nature of online sexual exploitation is widely misunderstood: “Instead of pedophiles (ie individuals with sexual interests in children) preying on young children, most Internet-initiated sex crimes involve young adults (mostly men) who target and seduce teenagers into sexual encounters.” Similarly, child sexual abuse material is most frequently produced by victims’ family members, with fathers being the single most common perpetrators. Even in cases of sextortion, 60 percent of youth who are victims know the perpetrators offline.

How the Media Defines Masculinity

Families, friends, teachers and community leaders all play a role in helping boys define what it means to be a man. Mainstream media representations also play a role in reinforcing ideas about what it means to be a “real” man in our society. In most media portrayals, male characters are rewarded for self-control and the control of others, aggression and violence, financial independence and physical desirability: “for boys, violence and dominance are aligned with norms of masculinity.”

Common Stereotypes of Men in Media

Various media analysts and researchers argue that media portrayals of male characters fall within a range of stereotypes.

Reporting Platforms: Young Canadians Evaluate Efforts to Counter Disinformation

MediaSmarts facilitated online focus groups with youth ages 16 to 29 to examine and assess reporting processes on popular apps (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube). More specifically, we wanted to understand how young Canadians feel about current efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation online and what solutions they have regarding the problems and concerns they experience while navigating online information ecosystems and communities. Overall, youth expressed a lack of trust and confidence in the ability of platforms to counter misinformation and disinformation and to keep them informed and safe online. Participants emphasized that users are not provided with meaningful opportunities to engage with platforms to prevent and address misinformation and disinformation, and they felt platforms must make design changes that prioritize values of accuracy, transparency, trust, responsibility, and safety.

New online resources for teachers

The Web is full of great online resources for teachers and students, with new material appearing every day. With the approach of the most-anticipated American election in recent history, social studies teachers can be excused for turning their eyes south of the border. Here's a quick overview of recently created (or recently discovered) resources for social studies classes to help them and their students make the most of election season:

Outcome Chart - Ontario - Philosophy: The Big Questions 11 HZB3M

Outcome Chart - Ontario - Philosophy: The Big Questions 11 HZB3M

Outcome Chart - Saskatchewan - Psychology 30 – Human Development (Grade 12)

Outcome Chart - Saskatchewan - Psychology 30 – Human Development (Grade 12)

Outcome Chart - Newfoundland and Labrador - Art and Design 2200/3200

Outcome Chart - Newfoundland and Labrador - Art and Design 2200/3200

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - Applying Information and Communication Technology 2 15F

Common Outcomes

Students will…

3. Assess textual, numerical, aural, and visual information, as well as the source of the media, to determine context, perspective, bias, and/or motive. (G-3.2)

4. Self-assess ICT representations and go beyond established criteria by enhancing meaning and/or artistry, according to topic, audience, purpose, and occasion. (Pr-3.2)