Creative, Connected and Collaborative: Media Literacy Week 2014 to focus on youth and social networking

OTTAWA, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce that the theme for Canada's ninth annual Media Literacy Week (November 3-7, 2014) will focus on the positive uses of social networking by young people.

The official theme of the week – Youth and Social Networking: Creative, connected and collaborative – will encourage teachers and parents to work with young people to promote the wide range of activities they use daily on social platforms.

"Youth are using social networks in all kinds of interesting ways that allow them to build communities and connect to the world," said Cathy Wing, Co-Executive Director, MediaSmarts. "We want adults to join with young people in exploring the opportunities these powerful tools provide for contributing positively to society and building digital skills for the future."

"Media Literacy Week is an opportunity for teachers to dialogue and engage with their students on ways to become responsible digital citizens and creative learners thanks to the use of social media," said CTF President Dianne Woloschuk.

MediaSmarts' 2013 survey of 5,436 students in grades 4-11, showed there is a high use of social networking by young Canadians. Sites for posting and sharing content such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr were among the top sites, across all age groups. While a primary focus for these platforms is their social lives, students are also using them for learning, creative expression, peer support and advocacy.

MediaSmarts and the CTF are very pleased to welcome back YouTube as the 2014 Gold Sponsor of Media Literacy Week.

During Media Literacy Week, a variety of activities take place in homes, schools and communities across Canada and internationally, with the goal of promoting the importance of digital and media literacy for children and teens.

To find out how to get involved or become a sponsor of the week, visit: http://www.medialiteracyweek.ca/  

MediaSmarts is a Canadian not-for-profit centre for digital and media literacy. Its vision is that young people have the critical thinking skills to engage with media as active and informed digital citizens. mediasmarts.ca, @mediasmarts

Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) represents nearly 200,000 teachers as their national voice on education and related social issues. @CanTeachersFed

SOURCE: Canadian Teachers' Federation

Maya Shoucair, Communications Officer, MediaSmarts, 613-224-7721, ext. 231, [email protected]; Francine Filion, Director of Communications, Canadian Teachers' Federation, 613-688-4314