We are asking the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) to replace its blanket ban on student social media and facial photography with a modern, responsible media policy. Instead of completely removing our faces from school Instagram accounts, yearbooks, and event highlights, the board should implement strict privacy permissions (like media opt-in/opt-out forms) and educate students on digital safety. This will allow us to safely document our high school journey while keeping student data secure.
Who is involved?
- The Petitioners: The students of the DPCDSB, supported by parents, athletes, artists, and staff who want to celebrate student achievements.
- The Target Audience: The DPCDSB Board of Trustees and executive leadership who set the board-wide communication and technology policies.
Where is this happening?
Across all secondary and elementary schools within the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), located across Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, and Orangeville.
Why does this matter?
While we understand and respect that the board is trying to protect us from the rising threat of artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and photo manipulation, a total blackout of student faces is not the solution.
By banning us from having media accounts or showing our faces, the board is taking away our ability to build a school culture and look back on our most memorable years.
- Losing Our History: High school is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Without photos and video highlights, we lose the visual history of our pep rallies, prom, graduation, and daily school life.
- Hurting Student Opportunities: School sports teams, drama clubs, and student councils rely on social media to promote games, sell tickets, and help student-athletes get noticed by university scouts.
- Missing the Teach-able Moment: AI is a reality of our future. Instead of hiding students from technology, the DPCDSB should be teaching us how to navigate it safely. A blanket ban isolates our schools rather than protecting them.
This petition was created by: Mark Panakal, Nicholas Bustamante, Evan Wolkowich, Jathusha Satheeskaran, Aaron Skeete
6 Comments
I want to show spirit to others in our community
I think media is really important to us because it helps us capture and keep memories of all the special events at school. This way, we can look back on those moments and remember them in the future.
I think it’s important and necessary that we’re able to take photos to capture memories, relive emotions and remember our friends.
Bring media back!!
No media, No voice.
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We are asking the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) to replace its blanket ban on student social media and facial photography with a modern, responsible media policy. Instead of completely removing our faces from school Instagram accounts, yearbooks, and event highlights, the board should implement strict privacy permissions (like media opt-in/opt-out forms) and educate students on digital safety. This will allow us to safely document our high school journey while keeping student data secure.
Who is involved?
- The Petitioners: The students of the DPCDSB, supported by parents, athletes, artists, and staff who want to celebrate student achievements.
- The Target Audience: The DPCDSB Board of Trustees and executive leadership who set the board-wide communication and technology policies.
Where is this happening?
Across all secondary and elementary schools within the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), located across Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, and Orangeville.
Why does this matter?
While we understand and respect that the board is trying to protect us from the rising threat of artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and photo manipulation, a total blackout of student faces is not the solution.
By banning us from having media accounts or showing our faces, the board is taking away our ability to build a school culture and look back on our most memorable years.
- Losing Our History: High school is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Without photos and video highlights, we lose the visual history of our pep rallies, prom, graduation, and daily school life.
- Hurting Student Opportunities: School sports teams, drama clubs, and student councils rely on social media to promote games, sell tickets, and help student-athletes get noticed by university scouts.
- Missing the Teach-able Moment: AI is a reality of our future. Instead of hiding students from technology, the DPCDSB should be teaching us how to navigate it safely. A blanket ban isolates our schools rather than protecting them.
This petition was created by: Mark Panakal, Nicholas Bustamante, Evan Wolkowich, Jathusha Satheeskaran, Aaron Skeete
6 Comments
social media is a crucial part of our day to day. The way students and school activities are promoted via social media is a crucial way of communication. Through social media our schools achievements and events can be shared and make it something to be proud of and talked about.
I want to show spirit to others in our community
I think media is really important to us because it helps us capture and keep memories of all the special events at school. This way, we can look back on those moments and remember them in the future.
I think it’s important and necessary that we’re able to take photos to capture memories, relive emotions and remember our friends.
Bring media back!!
No media, No voice.
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social media is a crucial part of our day to day. The way students and school activities are promoted via social media is a crucial way of communication. Through social media our schools achievements and events can be shared and make it something to be proud of and talked about.