Ontario’s Digital Privacy Charter: A Blueprint for Safer Classrooms

In October 2024, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) unveiled the Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools, a voluntary yet robust framework aimed at reinforcing student data protection and bolstering digital citizenship education. Drawing on feedback from educators, families, and youth advocates, the charter outlines 12 key commitments to safeguard and empower students in a digital learning environment.

📜 What’s Inside the Charter?

The charter’s commitments fall into two key categories:

1. Protection — ensuring institutional responsibility:

• Limiting collection, use, and disclosure of personal student data to essential purposes only
• Vetting third-party digital tools for privacy safeguards
• Conducting privacy impact assessments prior to adopting new technologies
• Establishing privacy‑protective default settings
• Rapidly reporting and responding to any significant data breaches

2. Empowerment — promoting student and community agency:

• Communicating in clear, accessible language with families about data practices
• Explaining what data is collected and why
• Teaching students strategies to protect their own information
• Sharing students’ rights to access and correct their records
• Soliciting feedback from the school community on tools and practices
• Cultivating ongoing awareness of digital privacy risks for all stakeholders

Why It Matters Now

• Supports Ontario’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum: The charter aligns directly with newer curriculum goals aimed at equipping students with digital responsibility
• Supports Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024: The Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 imposes enhanced duties on boards for children’s data protection. The charter offers a step toward compliance.
• Sets public trust in stone: By formally adopting the charter, schools send a message of transparency, accountability, and dedication to student well‑being.

Early Support and Resources

The IPC, in collaboration with MediaSmarts, also offers:

• Privacy Pursuit! – Classroom-ready lessons (Grades 2–8) on privacy protection and online self-awareness
  • They include:
  • What is Privacy? (Grades 2 – 3)
  • Protecting Your Privacy (Grades 4 – 5)
  • The Value of Privacy (Grades 6 – 7)
  • My Privacy, Your Privacy (Grades 7 – 8)
• Youth Ambassador Toolkit – Peer‑to‑peer resources for students aged 12+ to lead digital rights conversations
• Info Matters podcasts and Instagram content designed for youth digital literacy

How Schools and Educators Can Act

Looking Ahead: A Model for Other Provinces?

The charter aligns with global standards—like the UN CRC General Comment No. 25 on children’s rights in digital spaces and the UK’s Children’s Code. Ontario’s IPC views it as a foundational step in Children and Youth in a Digital World, a strategic priority aimed at building trust between youth, families, and institutions.

The Digital Privacy Charter provides a concrete, student-centred roadmap for Ontario schools to:

• Strengthen privacy protections
• Foster transparency and trust
• Embed digital citizenship into everyday learning
• Prepare for emerging legal responsibilities

• Sign the pledge here
• Printable version (8.5 x 14 in)
• Poster version (11 x 17 in)