Technology has considerably widened the communication gap between children and parents. Parents are very busy with their jobs, and children are becoming more entangled with their online adventures. Children are left alone, without limitations, to explore the digital world. It generally ends up that it is too late when parents realize that their children’s conduct is already compromised. Without proper direction and parental control, these children remain ignorant about the basics of internet safety and media literacy. It is expected that their parents are the ones to educate them on these issues. The situation, however, is reversed because many children know more than their parents about the internet.
Recognizing this reality, a private non-profit organization is now partnering with schools to provide workshops for parents. This organization would help schools educate parents about internet safety and media literacy during PTA and parent group meetings. Organization representatives would bring with them the actual gadgets like an Xbox, PS3 and Windows or Mac machines. They would demonstrate to parents how they can set up internet parental controls. The group believes that distributing manuals to parents would not help at all. Most parents are not comfortable with technology, so it would be a lot easier if they are taught the actual process by demonstration. This gives the parents first-hand experience and sets aside the fear that most of them have with gadgets.
Reports show that many middle and high schools are now challenged by issues of online safety. Among others, cyber bullying and “sexting” are the most common. Even though these are expected to occur online only, these have spread out offline. This means that its effects are being displayed by children on the school campus, and are fast becoming a “school culture”. School authorities consider this an urgent concern, so they have enlisted the help of organizations that can educate these children and their parents.
They start with meeting and educating the parents. Many parents would show that they do not care, and this is a hint that they are not aware of the dangers of abuse of the internet. More than the need to recognize how their children are using it, they should also realize the culture within. It is not enough for parents to know that there is such a thing as Facebook and that their children are using it. They also have to learn how their children connect with thousands of “friends” in a very different manner. Learning this would enable them to know the benefits and dangers. Only then can they work collectively to make the right move and bring about what needs to be changed.
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