Digital Safety for Kids

Parent Q&A

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  • I’m reaching out to see if anyone has come across resources or in-person workshops focused on online safety for elementary-aged kids. My 8- and 10-year-olds are active on platforms like Roblox and Minecraft and we have enabled parent controls and screen limits on both. In preparation for them getting older, I’m trying to figure out the best way to educate them about navigating the digital world safely and allow them more freedom online.

    I’m curious if any of you have heard of programs within the Berkeley Unified School District or community initiatives that address these topics (I've also asked our school principal this too). If not, I’m interested in exploring the idea of putting together an afterschool or weekend program that can help both kids and parents learn about responsible online behavior.

    I’d love to hear your suggestions, experiences, or if you’d be interested in collaborating on this idea!

    https://www.kidpower.org
    Kid Power is excellent for kid safety & teen safety. Their books are great as well, it is comic book style with different scenarios. (Illustrations are basic, content is great)  They have online workshops. They used to have in person, not sure if they still do. 

    I'm interested in collaborating! We're over in Emeryville but my 8-year-old has had access to a surprising slice of the internet through her school computer that made me very aware that no one is teaching them context or internet safety. The school didn't seem too concerned but what's worse than the lack of filters (filters are never enough anyway) is the lack of what appears to be any plan for educating the kids about it in the future. 

    I'm so surprised it isn't part of the instruction outside the classroom, like in the library, or some supplemental tech material. It's just as critical as media literacy and research methods, if not more so since we're talking literal psychological and physical safety. 

    So, I'm eager to learn what we can do!

    This is an event taking place this Sunday online; our school engages with KidPower actively and they’re great! 

    https://www.kidpower.org/workshop-2mar2025/

    Hello!

    Here is a link for exactly what you are describing — it’s a program linked to the kid power curriculum:

    https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pb7z64r

    It’s an online workshop called Family Power, happening this Sunday. 

    Reply now  »
  • My son's school is potentially interested in having a local expert give a presentation to parents about digital safety for elementary and middle schoolers. Not sure what the honorarium would be. 

    This is a really interesting article on the topic. Perhaps the author can recommend someone in your area. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/11/04/myths-about-interne…

    Jason Brand does this kind of work. He has a private psychotherapy practice and also works specifically with issues of kids and digital safety. He speaks to schools and parents of all aged kids. His websites are https://www.jasonbrand.com/ and https://www.connectedstar.com/

    Recommended:

    I recommend looking into engaging Anya Manes. Her focus is coaching parents on talking to their kids about sex and relationships, but a part of her education is around porn and other Internet safety issues. She would likely be able to craft something that addresses your needs. https://www.talkingaboutsex.com/

    If your school has a library program, I’m sure they would love to help, for free even! Or at least have a connection for where to look!

    We asked Dr. Richard Freed, author of Wild Child, to come speak to our school and it was one of our best parent ed nights ever- this was several years ago. He is local and it wasn't prohibitively expensive, I suggest you reach out through his website, www.richardfreed.com, where you can ask about speaking engagements - good luck!

    The local DA office and FBI did this at our school for free.  Very informative and they did a great job.