Institution: University of Ottawa ()
Category: Faculty of Law
Language:
English
Course Description
This mini-course uses real online scenarios to show students how the law applies to the digital world they live in. The goal isn’t to overwhelm them with legal jargon, but to help them see how a single post, comment, or prank can lead to real consequences. Instead of abstract examples, we work through situations teenagers genuinely encounter, and students are encouraged to share their own experiences so we can unpack them together. The goal is simple: that by the end of the week, students pause and think twice before posting, commenting, or sharing something that could have real consequences.
Biography
My name is Aayat, and I am a first-year JD student at the Faculty of Law with an undergraduate degree in Finance. My real qualification for this program comes from being the older sister to two 14-year-olds. I have spent years stepping in with firm but caring “please do not post that” lectures, explaining online risks in a way they actually understand, and helping them think through the real-world consequences behind their decisions. Watching my younger siblings navigate social media has made me very aware of how easily teenagers can make mistakes online simply because no one has explained the consequences clearly. I care deeply and genuinely about helping teenagers avoid mistakes that can follow them longer than they expect. At the same time, torts and contracts have become the subjects I am most passionate about in law school. Teaching this mini-course would allow me to combine both sides of myself: the protective older sister who wants teenagers to stay safe, and the law student who genuinely enjoys explaining how civil law works. I believe this combination places me in a strong position to make the material engaging, relatable, and meaningful for this age group.
