Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) launched its Teen IRL (In Real Life) Empowerment and Prevention Program yesterday.
The program aims to equip students in Grades 7+ with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of the digital world. The the first-of-its-kind program uses immersive learning including the agency’s virtual reality game ‘In Your Shoes’ to engage youth in various topics like consent, dating violence, cyber-safety, gang awareness, human trafficking and more. ‘In Your Shoes’ is nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and a Webby Award.
“We are seeing alarming rates of online recruitment and victimization of youth,” said Krista MacNeil, Executive Director of Victim Services of Durham Region. “Those seeking to exploit youth are leveraging digital technology to reach them. Prevention efforts must shift to ensure we are engaging youth using methods that interest them, and that they can relate to. We have to provide youth with the knowledge, empowerment and skills to protect them in both the physical and digital world.”
The Teen IRL program has received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ontario Government, the Community Services Recovery Fund – supported by the Government of Canada and the Town of Whitby Mayor’s Community Development Fund. The project has also received support from Enbridge and the Windsor Bay Foundation.
The immersive learning program will provide students with practical tools using scenario-based learning to protect themselves and their peers from various forms of exploitation and violence. Developed in collaboration with Durham school boards and community organizations, the Teen IRL program will serve youth ages 12 and up from across the Region, empowering them to make informed decisions that enhance safety and empowerment.
The program involves Victims Services of Durham Region, in partnership with Durham Regional Police, Kids Safety Village, Durham Region School Boards, and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services.
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