Education session on positive media use and online communication

Ritstjórn

Hamraskóli is hosting an essential education session for parents of students regarding positive media use and online communication on Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. Recently, we have seen a significant number of troubling social media interactions among students, contributing to student dysphoria and various conflicts. We organized this event to support parents in their crucial role of setting boundaries and guiding their children's internet use.

Description:

The presentation covers key considerations for digital parenting, strategies for creating a positive environment around media consumption, the importance of building trust and open communication, and the best ways parents can support their children's online behavior. Attendees will leave with practical tools to strengthen their parenting role and learn how to address uncomfortable or challenging situations that emerge online.

The session is organized into the following sections:

  • Positive media use: This segment explores the positive manifestations of media consumption and offers strategies for encouraging healthy habits and responsible online behavior in children.
  • How the internet changes and affects children: This overview examines children's internet use from their initial online steps through adolescence. It addresses rules and boundaries while exploring the broader impacts internet use can have on a child. The discussion also examines the manifestations of online behavior, related risks, concerns, and anxiety, alongside a review of the latest research on children's internet use in Iceland.
  • Parents as role models: This topic explores how parents can model positive device habits for their children, with a focus on online behavior and privacy.
  • Talking together: This portion highlights the value of conversation and building trust so parents and children can openly discuss what happens online. It also covers how parents can collaborate to discuss their children's peer group dynamics regarding internet use.
  • Help in difficult situations: This segment provides parents with practical tools for helping their children navigate difficult or upsetting online encounters, including actionable steps for working through these situations.

We designed this session as an open dialogue, encouraging parents to ask questions and share their perspectives throughout the event.