A new cyberviolence prevention strategy is focused on reducing digital harms and promoting safer online spaces for youth across the province.
Left to right : Minister Bloyce Thompson; Victoria Moura; Kushi Damry; Fleur Rodrigues; Kari Kruse; Minister Barb Ramsay; Minister Robin Croucher
The Provincial Youth Cyberviolence Prevention Strategy includes plans to improve digital well-being and reduce cyberbullying by emphasizing digital literacy education, prevention, support and systemic change.
As part of the strategy, the Interministerial Women's Secretariat is launching new Cyberviolence Prevention Grants. Through this $100,000 grant stream, community organizations across Prince Edward Island can access up to $20,000 in funding to develop innovative, prevention-focused projects. The deadline to apply is July 31. In addition, a stream for cyberviolence prevention will be added to the Anti-Racism Grants to support targeted actions and strategies related to community conversations and measures specific to marginalized populations.
Recognizing the increased risk of cyberviolence, the strategy also includes measures to equip parents, caregivers, and youth with tools to protect themselves from cyberbullying and other forms of cyberviolence. Parents are encouraged to go to the Cybersafecare website, a resource that serves as a centralized hub where parents, caregivers, educators, and service providers can access trusted information and tools.
Quotes:
"We live in a time of fast-moving technology, so issues and concerns pop up very quickly. We need to make sure we are keeping up so we can best protect Island youth. We will be working across government to implement actions as quickly as possible."
-Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson
"I have seen firsthand the tragic and devastating effects cyberviolence can have on youth in our province. I am confident this new strategy will result in a meaningful reduction in these types of incidents and I applaud the many individuals and organizations across the province who contributed to it."
-Minister of Education and Early Years Robin Croucher
"Through this strategy, we are empowering communities, supporting families and educators, and giving young people the tools they need to stay safe online. As Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I am proud that this work recognizes the impact cyberviolence has on girls, young women and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and takes meaningful action to address it."
-Minister of Social Development and Seniors Barb Ramsay
Cyberviolence can include a broad set of harmful interactions, including cyberbullying, online criminal harassment, extortion, and other crimes like identity theft.
According to a survey of parents and caregivers, 55 per cent of all respondents reported that youth in their care experienced some form of cyberviolence, with 52 per cent specifically reporting incidents of cyberbullying. In 93 per cent of the reported incidents, those who caused harm were other students at the youth's school.
A committee will be formed with members from multiple departments and agencies to move the strategy actions forward.
Learn more and read the strategy at Provincial Youth Cyberviolence Prevention Strategy.
