Internet Safety (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Nova Scotia

City/ Region:

Nova Scotia

Description of Initiative:

This initiative focuses on educating parents and youth with tips on how to stay safe on the Internet and will be delivered to all elementary and middle schools within East Hants. This initiative also focuses heavily on appropriate use of the Internet and deals with major crimes occurring online, such as sharing of images that could constitute child pornography (possession and distribution).

Other areas that are covered include: YouTube and Facebook safety; the dangers of violent Internet games; sexting; and cyberbullying and the criminal consequences of abuse on the Internet.

Initiative Key Objectives:

Educating youth and parents about Internet safety.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

School Safety Resource Officer

Key Contact:

Cheryl Pone
cheryl.ponee@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • community groups
  • other government departments/agencies

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

N/A

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

It was started in April 2013.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken due to parental and student concerns with cyberbullying.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

No costs were involved. Other than several officer-hours involved in preparing and delivering the initiative, there is little financial cost.

Method of Implementation:

The initiative was launched as an awareness campaign with officers going into schools and speaking with students on major issues related to Internet safety.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

The key outcome is to have all students in Hants County attend the Internet Safety presentation. It is also important to educate parents on cyber-safety tips and for them to be aware of what their children are doing on the Internet.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

Yes

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

Information was provided through online parent portals run by the schools to inform parents when evening parent information sessions would be held. Local communication took place through community bulletins and newspapers.

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • internal

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

Yes

Summary of the Outcomes:

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has received many positive comments from teachers, students and parents as a result of the presentations. They continue to receive requests for additional presentations.

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

N/A

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

N/A

Record Entry Date:

2015-03-01

Date modified: