Media awareness

These websites and books can help you make informed decisions about the Internet, video games, television, mass media and other technology for your family.

Websites

Be Web Aware
A Canadian education program to help children go online safely. Includes information for parents to manage Internet use.

BPCPA Film Classification
Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) film content information lets you make informed viewing choices for your family.

Chatdanger
Covers the potential dangers of online interactive services including chat, instant messaging (IM), online games, email and mobile phones.

Effects of Video Game Playing on Children
National Institute for Media and the Family (American) fact sheet covers postive and negative aspects of games. Includes a video-game rating system for parents.

Get Net Wise
Online safety information for children and families.

Internet Safety Tips for Parents
Download tip sheets [PDFs] outlining steps parents can take to protect children who use the internet. BC Ministry of Education. Available in English, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Filipino, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Media Awareness Network
Resources and support for everyone interested in media and information literacy for young people.

Reality Bytes
A large gap exists between the public's perception of video games and what the research actually shows. This site attempts to separate fact from fiction.

SOLOS: Safe Online Outreach Society
Provides knowledge and tools for British Columbians to keep our children and youth safe online.

Television and Children
Learn about the positive and negative impact of TV on child development.