This month, countries around the world are promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people. 

In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has created a unique, one-stop Internet safety website – The Door that’s Not Locked – to help parents, teachers and anyone else with children in their lives learn about ways to keep kids safe. 

While the Internet is an open door to a world of great information, communication and entertainment – there are risks. Today’s technology is providing offenders unprecedented access to children and youth, and as adults, it’s up to all of us to be vigilant in learning what the risks are and how to keep them safe. 

The Door that’s not Locked is an easy-to-use Internet safety website where parents can stay on top of new technologies and access comprehensive information on what children of all ages are doing online, the risks associated, as well as tips and age- specific safety strategies to help keep them safe. We’ve also created a mobile safety website (mobility.protectchildren.ca) to educate parents and guardians about the potential risks posed to children and youth using cell phones, and to highlight proactive strategies that can be used to help keep youth safe. 

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? 

• Have a family safety day: set aside some time to focus specifically on teaching your children about Internet and mobile safety. 

• Visit thedoorthatsnotlocked.ca for comprehensive Internet safety information and downloadable resources, such as our age-specific Safety and the Internet brochures. 

• Visit mobility.protectchildren.ca to learn about risks associated with mobile technology and proactive strategies to help keep youth safe. You can also download a free Cell Phone Safety Parent Guide. 

• Help raise awareness and increase the safety of other children in your lives by encouraging your family and friends to be proactive and vigilant about teaching their children to stay safe as well. Email them links to The Door that’s not Locked and the Mobile Safety websites. 

• Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email our Kids in the Know education department (contact@kidsintheknow.ca) with your question(s) and someone will be happy to help you out.