LIVESTREAM: Learn How to Parent in the World of Social Media

Katey McPherson, The Director of Professional Development and Youth Mental Health Advocate from Bark For Schools has presented information to parents about social media safety at several of Great Hearts academies and we are pleased to bring one of her presentations to you through a Livestream on Monday, September 25^th, 2023 at 7:00pm MST. The Livestream will be available on Great Hearts Facebook, Great Hearts YouTube, and Great Hearts LinkedIn sites.

We are the first generation of parents who have had to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media and we understand the challenges you face in ensuring your kids’ safety online. That’s why the information presented in the livestream is so important. In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge needed to guide our children safely through the online world. This livestream is designed for parents like you, who may not have grown up with these platforms, but want to make sure your kids do so responsibly.

McPherson is an advocate for children and an expert in the field online safety. You will learn insights on the latest social media trends and get some tips and strategies for monitoring and managing your child’s online activity. Beyond the practical tools you will discover to help keep your family safe, you will learn how to have an open and meaningful conversation with your child about online safety. McPherson will offer guidance in having these conversations while maintaining our child’s dignity and respect.

We can have all the latest safety software and protections on our devices that money can buy, but these can always be bypassed or manipulated as technology continues to become more sophisticated. It is the quality of the relationship you maintain with your child that provides the strongest barrier between your child and the predatory nature of the online world.

You will learn the Five Protective Factors and how we can surround and protect our children:

1. They have trusted adults in their life that they can count on
2. We need to de-stigmatize and remove barriers to help-seeking
3. We need to use the Public Health Model Approach to continuously assess students
4. We need to understand developing brains
5. Your child needs to feel seen, heard, and loved (even when they mess up)

In addition, McPherson will discuss cyber-bullying, screen time, and anxiety that is driven by the access to countless social media platforms.

One of the many resources discussed during the Livestream is the documentary film, Childhood 2.0, which depicts the dangers of social media. McPherson warns that the subject matter is heavy, and parents are urged to watch and take all the information in before thoughtfully approaching your child with what you learn.

Join us for this informative session that will empower you to be the best digital mentors for your children. Together, we can make social media a safer and more positive space for our kids to explore and thrive.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.