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Technology Tips for Parents
​​​​​At the start of the 2023-24 school year, Mission Public schools started developing a new Policy on the use of Technology and a strategy in support of digital wellness, digital literacy, and digital citizenship to give students a foundation and tools to both make technology work for them and make good decisions while they’re using it – whether that’s cell phones, artificial intelligence, social media or more.

In May, all boards of education got a ministerial order to include one or more statements restricting student use of personal digital devices at school. 

On May 21, 2024, the Mission Public Schools' Board of Education approved Policy 3.8 Use of Technology - Students after open consultation with the Community, Staff, Parents and Students. The reaction to the policy was overwhelmingly positive. To review the feedback, click here. ​


​Letters from the Superintendent

September 3, 2024: For the district families.
Read the letter here.

June 26, 2024: For the Middle Schools' families. 
Read the letter here.​​​​​

June 6, 2024: For the district families. 
Read the letter here. ​


We will be adding curated resources for families with tools, such as how to make a media usage plan to balance screen time, and information that demystifies social media platforms used by youth.​

Digital Identity & Relationships
Covers themes of cyberbullying, digital profiles, and the responsible sharing of digital content. Explores the consequences of our online behaviour.

Privacy and Security
Includes concepts of data security (passwords/multifactor authentication) and privacy protection (phishing/online scams, clickbait).​

Mental Health and Wellness
Discusses strategies for balancing consumption of digital media and the use of digital devices. Exploration of the ways device use can impact health (physical and mental) and relationships.
Age for Introducing Devices:
Healthy Digital Habits:
​Parental Controls & Monitoring:
  • How to filter inappropriate content on YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Google for kids under 18?
    • Using Parental Controls (mediasmarts.ca)
    • TELUS Wise A guide to popular social media and messaging apps (ctfassets.net)
    • SNAPCHAT allows users to send photos and vides that disappear after they’re received, but pictures don’t completely disappear from a device and users can take a screenshot before an image vanishes

      SKOUT is a location-based dating app and website. While users under 17 are unable to share private photos, kids can easily create an account using a different age

      X is a networking site for “public” conversations or direct messages. It also has been used for bullying or harassment

      OMEGLE lets users chat with strangers through text or video in real-time, with no registration required. While it can be used for casual conversations, users have reported encountering inappropriate content, cyberbullying, explicit material, and even predatory behavior.

      INSTAGRAM is a photo/video sharing app. Profiles can be public allowing anyone to see or comment. Teens can create fake accounts to hide content and use the messaging feature

      GRINDER is a dating app geared toward gay, bi and transgender people. The app gives users options to chat, share photos and meet up based on a smart phone’s GPS location

      WHATSAPP is a messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, voicemails, make calls and video chats worldwide. The app uses an internet connection on smart phones and computers

      BADOO is a dating and social networking app where users can chat, share photos & videos and connect based on location. While the app is for adults, teens are known to create profiles. 

      ROBLOX is an online gaming platform where users can play games designed by others or create and share their own. Be aware of in-app purchases chat features, “condo” games and using “signs” to communicate if chat is blocked

      KIK allows anyone to contact and direct message your child. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. KIK gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime

      HILY is a dating app where users can browse photos, engage in chats, send private videos and more. Based on GPS location of phone, strangers can arrange to meet up locally

      DISCORD allows users to talk to friends or strangers in real-time via voice/text or video chat while playing games. Users have seen racial slurs, explicit content, cyberbullying and more

      MEETME is a dating social media app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. As the app’s name suggests, users are encouraged to meet each other in person

      WHISPER is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so people can meet up

      MONKEY is a live video chat app that connects users to random strangers worldwide, offering group chat and private message options. Rated for 12+, but has mild sexual content and nudity

      AMONG US is a space-themed online multiplayer social game where players can message and chat with each other

      ASKFM is known for cyber bullying. The app encourages users to allow people to ask and chat anonymously with them in 40 different languages

      HOLLA is a video chat app that allows users to meet people all over the world in seconds

      BEST SECRET FOLDER is specifically meant to hide photos and videos. It features password protection, decoy videos and alarm settings

      LIVE ME is a live-streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos so users can find out a broadcaster’s exact location. Users can earn ‘coins’ to pay minors for photos

      YIK YAK is a location-based network app to connect with people around your location. It is an anonymous virtual bulletin board known for bullying

      CALCULATOR% is only one of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history

      REDDIT is a chat/discussion board app. Users can post whatever they want without identity verification. Reviewers have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content & more​

  • How to limit screen time for children?
  • How to control access to unsafe adult chat rooms and websites?
Cybersecurity & Safety:
Education & Communication:
Balancing Digital & Real Life:

Resources & Support:

​*We are adding information & resources as we become aware of them. We shared many of the above curated resources with the help and permission of the Burnaby School district.