Press Room

A Potpourri of Sites
by Elaine Lowe

My work takes me to numerous interesting sites in the web world. In addition, the Federation receives announcements about what’s new on the Internet. In this column, I would like to share a few sites I have found. Some are work related, some are not. I found them all interesting and quite unique. Happy browsing!

Let’s Talk about Bullying
www.talk-helps.com
Family Service Canada has developed an interactive anti-bullying website for primary school-age kids and adults. The site introduces various types of bullies victims and bystanders, and various kinds of bullying behaviour– physical, verbal, property damage, exclusion and extortion. On the site, children make decisions about what to do when confronted with a bullying problem and receive feedback on their choices, including concrete suggestions for better ways to behave and respond. More information for parents and educators can be found at www.bullybeware.com.

The Toy Report
www.toy-testing.org
Buying toys for children can be bewildering. You may find the Canadian Toy Testing Council’s online toy report helpful for identifying toys, games and more that are safe and age-appropriate. Toys are classified by age group, and recommended (or not). Three stars indicates an excellent toy that has high play value for children. Every year, the council picks and awards “Best Bet” toys, “Award of Excellence” toys and a “Toy of the Year.” When you see a package in the toy store with a golden “Seal of Approval,” you'll know you've found a good toy because the Canadian Toy Testing Council has already checked it out for you.

Generations CanConnect
http://generations-canconnect.ic.gc.ca
In 1999, Industry Canada launched Generations CanConnect as a searchable, digital record of the memories, personal treasures and contributions of older Canadians to the development of their communities and their country. Young people connect with seniors in their community, listening to their stories, recording and posting their memories. Children in school-age care might be interested in participating in this project or may simply enjoy browsing the site, reading stories and examining photographs of people from their community or province/territory.

News for the Rest of Us
www.rabble.ca
If you want your news delivered from a social justice perspective, try visiting this site, just launched this April. Sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the site features columnists such as Linda McQuaig, Rick Salutiin and Dalton Camp along with an amusing advice column by Judy Rebick called auntie.com. If you lean to the left politically, check out this site. Another independent news site is www.straightgoods.com.

Illegal and Offensive Content on the Internet
www.connect.gc.ca/cyberwise
In response to parents’ concerns about children coming across inappropriate and explicit content on the Internet, the Government of Canada has developed a toolbox of resources and links that educate and empower both children and parents to use the Internet safely, wisely and responsibly. The government also works closely with the Canadian Association of Internet Provider (www.caip.ca/issueset.htm) and individual Internet service providers (ISPs) to encourage good business practices in the ISP industry. As an Internet subscriber, you are encouraged to ask your ISP about its code of conduct, filters available and child-friendly search engines.

Elaine Lowe is managing editor of Interaction.