Ontario Declares Kids' Online Safety Month

Summary#

This bill would make October “Kids’ Online Safety and Privacy Month” in Ontario. It is a symbolic step meant to raise awareness about keeping children safe and private online. It does not change any rules or create new programs.

• Proclaims October each year as Kids’ Online Safety and Privacy Month.
• Aims to promote awareness about cyberbullying, online grooming, exploitation, and privacy risks.
• Creates no new legal duties, penalties, or funding.
• Takes effect as soon as it becomes law.

What it means for you#

• Parents and caregivers

  • You may see more tips, events, and reminders in October about how to guide kids online.
  • No new requirements for how you supervise your child’s internet use.

• Kids and teens

  • Schools or community groups may offer lessons or activities on staying safe online.
  • No changes to your online rights or rules from this bill alone.

• Schools and educators

  • October may become a common time to share resources or hold assemblies on digital safety.
  • Participation would be voluntary; the bill does not require new curriculum or programs.

• Community groups and libraries

  • You might choose to host workshops or provide resources during October.
  • No mandates or reporting requirements.

• Tech companies and platforms

  • No new standards or enforcement in this bill.
  • You may get more requests for educational materials or partnerships during October.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• A dedicated month keeps kids’ online safety in the public eye and encourages action.
• Awareness can help prevent harm by equipping parents, teachers, and kids with simple steps to stay safe.
• Low-cost way to coordinate messages across schools, community groups, and government.
• Signals that protecting children online is a shared priority in the province.

Opponents' View#

• Largely symbolic; without funding or new rules, it may not change outcomes.
• Could divert attention from stronger measures, like tougher privacy laws or enforcement.
• May duplicate existing digital safety campaigns already run by schools and nonprofits.
• Any impact depends on voluntary participation, which can be uneven across communities.