Dear Parents and/or Guardians of Grade 9 Students,

On March 2, 2020, the Hanover School Division and the Steinbach Regional Secondary School are partnering with the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit to conduct a Social Media Safety presentation to students at the SRSS.

The RCMP developed this presentation in response to a noticeable and concerning increase in reports of Self/Peer online sexual exploitation with school aged youth across Canada. The RCMP have recognized that these social issues required more than investigation and enforcement, that victimization needed to be prevented through education and awareness.
Constable Gord Olson, who has have served as the head member of the RCMP ICE Unit for several years, will facilitate this 65-minute presentation. He has delivered this message to over 75 middle and senior years schools in Manitoba. The presentation will explore the social and emotional impacts of Social Media networking. Specifically the presentation will explore the definition of the media-coined phenomenon “SEXTING”, cyber and online harassment
and how these topics are applied to the Criminal Code of Canada. Students will be given prevention strategies to help them avoid becoming victims of online sexual exploitation.

Students will be guided through a real life case study. This case study will define what sexting is, the impacts it can have on a person both socially and criminally. Additionally, the presentation facilitators will present options to prevent the risks associated to sexting behaviours as well as how to reduce the harm of actions already undertaken.

The SRSS respects the role of the parents as the primary educators of their own children, especially in the areas of potentially sensitive content. We trust that with careful preparation and open consultation we can assist parents with the responsibility of providing our children with the information and skills they need, to make healthy and positive choices that will ensure their personal safety and well-being as students and as adults.

Parents or guardians with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact James Gibson, Grade 9 Vice Principal, directly. If you have concerns with the sensitive content of this presentation, options for attending the presentation can be arranged.

Cst. Olson will be conducting a parent information session in the evening of March 2 beginning at 6 pm. The presentation will take place in the Gold Gym at the SRSS all are welcome to attend.

Respectfully,

James Gibson
Vice Principal – Grade 9 Principal
jgibson@hsd.ca

Cam Kelbert
Grades 9 and 10 Principal
ckelbert@hsd.ca

Sherry Bestvater
Grades 11 and 12
sbestvater@hsd.ca

in: General