By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ) has launched a new set of educational tools aimed at preventing the sexual exploitation of minors. Developed in collaboration with White Ribbon and other partners, these ready-to-use learning scenarios provide Quebec teachers with concrete resources to address the issue in classrooms.

Isabelle Tremblay-Chevalier, professional and pedagogical advisor at FSE-CSQ and responsible for the Ruban Blanc initiative, explained March 14 that the project emerged from White Ribbon’s broader campaign to combat violence against women and marginalized groups. The campaign received funding from a Canadian organization, and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, which did not have Quebec-based representatives, reached out to the CSQ to ensure Quebec-specific tools were developed.

“We worked for two years with a local teacher to adapt content to the Quebec context,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “At the end of the project, we had eight learning and evaluation scenarios that secondary school teachers can use in class.”

These scenarios align with Quebec’s Culture and Citizenship in Quebec (CCQ) program, which is now implemented in all schools across the province. According to Tremblay-Chevalier, teachers often lack sufficient resources for CCQ, especially at the secondary level. The newly developed tools help fill that gap, particularly in areas related to sexual education.

Addressing a growing issue

The push to create these resources comes as awareness of sexual exploitation continues to grow. Several national and provincial commissions have examined the issue, particularly in relation to Indigenous women and minors. Tremblay-Chevalier noted that while the problem itself may not necessarily be increasing, the willingness to acknowledge and document it has.

One of the learning scenarios focuses on online safety, including human trafficking for sexual purposes and how students can protect themselves in digital spaces. “This scenario takes about three class periods and helps students understand the risks they face online,” she said. Other topics include developing healthy relationships, understanding consent, and intervening as a witness to violence.

“There is a strong preventive aspect,” Tremblay-Chevalier added. “We’re not just reacting—we’re educating young people, including boys, about what constitutes sexual violence and how to recognize it.”

The initiative also touches on the role of technology in exploitation. The recent debate over smartphone use in schools has highlighted concerns about students using devices to share explicit content. Tremblay-Chevalier referenced a recent survey in which 76 per cent of teachers supported banning cellphones from schools. “We don’t have direct evidence linking the ban to sexual exploitation, but we do know that mobile devices can be used to take and share inappropriate images,” she said.

A recent FSE-CSQ consultation reinforced this concern. More than 76 per cent of the 7,000 teachers surveyed supported a full cellphone ban in schools, rather than just in classrooms. Additionally, 93 per cent favoured implementing a “digital majority” age in Quebec, setting a minimum age for accessing social media. Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) suggested 16 as the appropriate age, while 31 per cent preferred 15.

FSE-CSQ President Richard Bergevin emphasized in a related release that while digital tools offer undeniable educational benefits, their misuse presents serious risks. “Teachers are clear that banning cellphones in schools would help keep students more engaged in school life and reduce distractions,” Bergevin said. He added that these findings will be submitted to the Special Commission on the Impact of Screens and Social Media on Youth Health and Development, which is expected to make recommendations this spring.

A broader educational effort

The educational tools are part of a larger effort to address gender-based violence across Canada. The PRÉVENIR campaign, under which these resources were developed, promotes gender equity and supports vulnerable groups, including Indigenous and racialized communities, as well as LGBTQ+ youth.

Bergevin emphasized the importance of changing harmful gender norms and attitudes. “This campaign is the result of collaboration across various sectors to learn and exchange best practices. It aims to shift attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, whether through unhealthy media representations or issues surrounding consent,” he said in a statement.

The resources are available on the FSE-CSQ website and are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing curriculum frameworks. They provide structured learning scenarios that educators can implement without requiring extensive preparation.

Calls for digital responsibility

Another key issue raised in discussions around sexual exploitation is the role of social media and digital literacy. The push for a digital majority age aligns with growing concerns about how young people engage with online platforms and the risks they face.

“Right now, the legal age is 13, but 80 per cent of teachers believe it should be raised to 15 or 16,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “There’s growing concern about the impact of social media on young people’s understanding of consent and appropriate boundaries.”

While the new educational tools are primarily aimed at students, some components include guidance for involving parents. Teachers are encouraged to inform parents when discussing topics related to sexual exploitation, ensuring families are part of the conversation.

The initiative aligns with ongoing legislative discussions in Quebec. A parliamentary commission is currently reviewing the impact of screen use on children, with recommendations expected in the spring. The FSE-CSQ has submitted its findings to the commission, reinforcing the importance of digital safety measures in combating exploitation.

A step forward in prevention

With these new resources, teachers now have structured, research-backed tools to tackle a sensitive yet critical issue. By integrating lessons on consent, healthy relationships, and online risks into the curriculum, educators can play a crucial role in preventing sexual exploitation before it happens.

“The goal is not just to react to cases of exploitation but to create a culture where young people understand their rights and responsibilities,” Tremblay-Chevalier said. “Education is the most powerful tool we have to make lasting change.”