Vancouver Island University

Purpose

This project aims to explore the unique privacy challenges and opportunities faced by older high school students and post-secondary learners (Ages 16–24) in Canada. First, a review of existing studies and best practices will map current knowledge on smart AI-embedded device privacy. Next, a mixed-method research design, combining surveys, focus groups, and technical audits of popular smart devices, will capture a diverse set of perspectives regarding privacy self-efficacy, perceived privacy risk, perceived privacy benefits, algorithmic transparency and trust, and privacy-protective behaviors. By focusing on the lived experiences of youth in both high school and post-secondary contexts, the research will shed light on the interplay between digital literacy levels, socio-economic backgrounds, and personal preferences around data ownership. The insights gleaned from this multi-method study will inform the development of a privacy-by-design toolkit, tailored to the realities of young Canadians. This toolkit will offer practical guidelines and actionable recommendations for device manufacturers, educational institutions, policymakers, and families, fostering more transparent data practices and safeguarding personal information by default. In addition, interactive workshops, webinars, and a dedicated website will broaden community engagement, ensuring that the project’s findings reach not only researchers and policymakers but also young Canadians themselves.