At Urban Academy, “educating for tomorrow” also encompasses the cultivation of discernment and character in an increasingly complex digital landscape in an increasingly interconnected world. The pressing need for this focus is something I believe we all recognize. During my meetings with Junior School class parents in November, one of the discussion points was the high volume of young children engaging with seemingly innocent online games. Many parents are surprised to discover the lack of protective measures on popular platforms, Roblox being a primary example, where interactions with strangers often go unmonitored and filters for questionable content are insufficient. Further, the issue of in-game monetization remains a significant challenge for many parents.
This year, our Junior School has launched a structured Digital Literacy and Citizenship program spearheaded by our Future-Focussed Educational Technology Coach, Mr. McQuiggan, in close collaboration with our homeroom teachers. By starting these lessons in Junior School, we ensure that our students are not merely consuming media but are learning to navigate the internet with a critical and ethical lens from an early age.
In line with our efforts to supplement the BC curriculum, Mr. McQuiggan adapted and augmented resources from Common Sense Media, a leading organization that provides research-based tools for schools and families, to develop our digital literacy and citizenship program. Throughout the year, our K-3 students are engaging with a selection of foundational digital literacy concepts, including:
- Media Balance & Well-Being: Learning when to ‘pause for people’.
- Privacy & Security: Understanding what information is safe to share online.
- Digital Footprint & Identity: Recognizing that our online actions leave a permanent mark.
- Relationship & Communication: Practicing kindness and empathy in digital spaces.
We will soon be hosting an information session for our families with more insight on this. In the meantime, we encourage families to use the Common Sense Media Parent portal for vetting at-home technology use. Proactive education significantly reduces the risks of cyberbullying and privacy breaches, ensuring that technology remains a tool for innovation rather than a source of anxiety. Our commitment to this work is strong, as our commitment to future-focussed education relies on building solid foundations in Junior school.
Respectfully yours,
Khatereh Dadar, Junior School Principal