VANCOUVER – Telus has launched a new program aimed at helping Canadians develop safer online habits.
The Telus WISE (Wise Internet and Smartphone Education) program offers free seminars and online resources in two parts – one aimed at adults interested in keeping themselves and their families safe; and the second tailored to appeal directly to youth.
The program for parents and adults, known as Telus WISE, includes seminars about the common pitfalls of cyberspace and how to better protect personal information from predators and malware; a library of online educational resources for parents about what choices children might be making online, how to protect them, and signs to watch for that children might be in trouble; and personalized, one-on-one sessions on Internet and smartphone safety and security available by appointment at more than 200 Telus in-store learning centres across the country.
The Telus WISE footprint, geared towards children ages eight to 18, includes a secure, online portal offering fun, interactive challenges where children can learn how to stay safe online, and relatable comic-strip scenarios that identify common mistakes innocent children often make online around key topics like cyberbullying and predators. In addition, school-age children can earn money for their school's cyberbullying and digital citizenship programs by completing interactive challenges.
"This innovative educational program will arm Canadians with the tools necessary to help keep their families safe from online criminal activity such as financial fraud and child predators”, said president and CEO Darren Entwistle, in the announcement. “Telus WISE advances our unparalleled commitment to give where we live and put our customers first by helping to protect what is most valuable to them – their loved ones."
Telus WISE and Telus WISE footprint content has been developed in partnership with accredited organizations like MediaSmarts and Bullying.org
