tender_21112 - Cyber Safety Learning Resources

As Ontario’s education system becomes increasingly digital, the importance of cyber security, cyber safety and privacy awareness among all members of the school community—students, educators, parents, and administrators—has grown significantly. Children are engaging with technology more frequently and at younger ages, often without a full understanding of its risks and best practices. Teachers and school staff are expected to teach responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology and digital resources when engaging online, including how to interact with information, communicate with others, and manage their online presence. Parents also play a critical role in reinforcing cyber-safe behaviours at home. Ontario school boards are in need of age-appropriate learning resources for students, professional development for educators, and guidance for parents and guardians on supporting safe digital practices and online behaviours to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in the digital world. To address these needs, Supply Ontario has recognized the necessity for a Vendor of Record (VOR) arrangement that provides a comprehensive and inclusive approach to digital citizenship and cyber education services and materials.
The scope of this RFB includes the development and delivery of comprehensive cyber safety education and awareness resources for Ontario’s K–12 education sector, aligned with the Ontario curriculum. Vendors will be required to create and provide learning materials and programs suitable for elementary and secondary students, as well as relevant support materials for educators, school administrators, and parents or guardians. All resources must be available in English and culturally adapted into and available in French. The educational content must address a broad range of topics that are kept up-to-date and relevant, essential to digital citizenship, safety and well-being, including but not limited to:

a. online safety and well-being
b. data privacy
c. Bullying, cyberbullying and other types of risks
d. Digital literacy and communication
e. Digital etiquette, responsibility and consent
f. effects of screen time and internet use on mental health and well being
g. critical thinking related to online content including social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
h. combating misinformation and disinformation
i. strategies for prevention
j. personal protection online
k. Managing digital footprint and online presence
l. how to seek help or assistance related to online experiences

These topics should be contextualized to current and changing habits, and within the various technologies students may encounter, such as social media platforms, online browsing, texting, and gaming environments.