Internet Safety Collaborative
Today, the internet and networking technologies have become an integral part of the way in which we do business, educate ourselves and correspond with friends and family. While advancements in technology have made the internet more accessible for the average user, vulnerable individuals (such as children/youth, adults with intellectual disabilities and/or other barriers, and senior citizens) are now able to readily access dangerous environments. In some cases, caregivers have the sole responsibility for a client’s welfare but are unprepared to protect them.
This recurring theme has been engaged by a number of initiatives that have failed to address the underlying technical concerns both completely and comprehensively. Tekdesk has recognized the need for technical training of caregivers, and has initiated the Internet Safety Collaborative.
The Internet Safety Collaborative is a partnership between Tekdesk/COIN and an array of local and provincial agencies. Its aim is to enhance online safety for at-risk groups served by Ontario’s non-profit community. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has generously provided funding for the first two years of the project.
In the first year, the focus has been on research and the development of training materials. In the second year, Tekdesk will travel across the province training representatives from the Collaborative’s member agencies. An interactive website will be deployed at the beginning of this training, in order to provide caregivers with a forum to continue their discussions and receive updates. This site will also provide a mechanism for caregivers to examine and alert each other to new technology threats as they develop.
The formal instructional series will cover technologies such as social networking, console & online gaming, mobile phones & other handheld devices, and internet banking among others. Common dangers associated with these technologies include: identity theft, fraud, assault, luring, cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, and financial & sexual exploitation.
A brief overview of some the Internet Safety Collaborative's topics of interest can be downloaded here:
- Internet and Technology Safety Issues (pdf, 92KB)
Partner Agencies
Community Living Ontario
Community Living Ontario is a non-profit, provincial association that advocates for people who have an intellectual disability to be fully included in all aspects of community life... (more)
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
OCASI was formed in 1978 to act as a collective voice for immigrant-serving agencies and to coordinate response to shared needs and concerns ... (more)
Ontario Provincial Police
"Safe Communities...A Secure Ontario"... (more)
CARP (Peterborough)
CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to a ‘New Vision of Aging for Canada’ promoting social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination.... (more)
Community Living Peterborough
Building inclusive communities since 1953, Community Living Peterborough is a non-profit organization that brings people with intellectual disabilities and their communities together... (more)
John Howard Society of Peterborough
Making Peterborough safer through prevention, education, reform, advocacy, aftercare and treatment services for persons who are, or who have the potential to be, involved in the criminal justice system.... (more)
Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society
Protecting children and promoting their best interests through the provision of services under the Mandate of the Child and Family Services Act... (more)
Kinark (Peterborough)
Caring, helping, healing - so children and youth can live socially and emotionally healthy lives... (more)
New Canadians Centre Peterborough
The New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees and other newcomers in the Peterborough and Northumberland regions... (more)
Peterborough Elizabeth Fry Society
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough is committed to advocating and providing services for all criminalized and imprisoned women, as well as those at risk of coming into conflict with the law... (more)
YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria & Haliburton
The YWCA provides leadership on issues affecting women and their families, and creates positive change so that all women can participate to the full extent of their abilities... (more)
