Parent Resources

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place through digital devices such as phones, computers, and tablets. It occurs on platforms like social media, messaging apps, online forums, gaming communities, or any space where people interact online. Cyberbullying can include sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, posting embarrassing photos or videos, impersonating someone, or intentionally excluding someone online. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen anytime, reach a wide audience quickly, and sometimes be anonymous, making it especially harmful. Its effects can be emotional, psychological, and even physical, impacting a person’s self-esteem, mental health, and sense of safety. Promoting kindness, reporting harmful behavior, and supporting those affected are important steps in preventing cyberbullying. Here is a great resource from Media Smarts to know and understand better!

Did you know that there are free menstrual products in schools for girls through the Ministry of Education in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart? The Ministry of Education’s Menstrual Equity Initiative in Ontario provides free menstrual products to students across the province through school boards and authorities. The program is supported by donations from Shoppers Drug Mart, which first contributed products in 2021–22 and has since expanded its commitment. A new three-year agreement (2024–27) will supply 23 million products, allocated according to student enrolment data. The initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and reduce stigma so students can fully participate in school.Key Features of the Ontario InitiativeFree access to products Students receive menstrual products—pads and tampons—at no cost.Public–private partnership The program is delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Shoppers Drug Mart, which donates a substantial supply of products.Funding and distributionFunding: Shoppers Drug Mart will provide 23 million menstrual products over three years beginning in the 2024–25 school year. Support for students Financial relief: The initiative reduces the financial burden on students and families. Inclusion: It fosters a more inclusive and supportive school environment.Educational focus: By removing concerns about access to menstrual products, students can concentrate more fully on learning.Implementation details: Dispensers: In 2024–25, 1,380 dispensers were installed to support product access.Allocation: Product quantities for each board are determined using enrolment data from the Ontario School Information System (OnSIS).https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000941/ontario-launches-free-menstrual-products-in-schools

📘 K–12 Cyber Awareness Month 2025: Parent & Guardian Guide This October, empower your family to stay safe, smart, and secure online. The K–12 Cyber Awareness Month campaign by ECNO and the Ministry of Education provides free, expert-designed resources to help families and schools build a culture of cyber awareness. 💡 Inside the guide:✅ 10 practical steps for parents to model cyber safety✅ Conversation tools for digital wellness and online kindness✅ Grade-specific themes — Cyber Heroes Unite (K–8) and Digital Me (9–12)✅ Posters, videos, and lesson ideas to spark meaningful discussions 📅 Explore resources, activities, and more at www.k-12cyberawareON.ca 🔗 Download the full Parent & Guardian User Guide

PARENTS! The digital world is shaping our YOUTH – are you leading the way or just barelykeeping up?Get the ultimate advantage. -understand the real impact of digital life on teens-Gain practical tools to create balance and boundaries-Strengthen family connections and thrive in a tech-driven worldLucy Colangelo, Student Success Coach & Communications Expert helps your family learnhow to turn technology into a tool forsuccess and growth.As a former marketing and communications strategist. Lucy now uses her education andexperience to help families and educators bridge the digital divide, fostering strongerrelationships and setting young people up for success.We look forward to working

The Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario (known to our members as ECNO) isproud to play an important role in the Ontario education system.Our strength comes from our members: Ontario’s 72 school Boards and a growing list ofIndigenous education authorities. They all understand the value in having a collaborative,open, and forward-thinking collective interested in maximizing the impact of IT in 21stcentury education and administration.

MediaSmarts is Canada’s bilingual centre MediaSmarts is Canada’s bilingual centre for digital media literacy. A registered charity, MediaSmarts has been conducting research, developing resources and advancing digital media literacy since 1996.

  Thumbs Down. Speak Up. (TDSU) provides you with the tools you need to set your kids up for success before they start interacting online. With the TDSU approach, you can feel confident that your children will be armed with the skills they need to be safe and responsible. Whether we like it or not, technology plays an important role in our kids’ lives. They use it to socialize, experiment with their identities, exercise their voices, and learn about the world. It’s no wonder that we want to shield our children from harm when they are online. But when we let worries about keeping our kids safe dictate how we protect them, we can overlook teaching them the skills they need to navigate their online lives without our constant oversight. Learn More