NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — National City parents got the chance to learn different ways to keep kids safe online.
Hundreds of families attended a workshop aimed at empowering parents with the knowledge and skills to create responsible and healthy digital habits.
This initiative comes at a time when children are being exposed to screens from an early age more than ever before. Parents learned how to allow their kids to use the technology safely, right from the start.
“The internet has changed dramatically since its inception and it’s difficult to keep up," said Christine Moore, Director of External Affairs with AT&T.
Parents and students attended the ‘Ready, Tech, Go’ event at Palmer Way Elementary School to learn more about how to navigate the digital world safely.
“It’s important that families understand the importance of maturity and digital readiness that needs to be in place before these kids get online," said Moore.
“We’re learning together about what we can do to keep our kids safe," said Palmer Way Elementary School Principal, Leticia Segura.
The Palmer Way Elementary School PTA, the National PTA, and AT&T partnered to host the free workshop that aims to narrow the digital divide.
“Concerns we have, the kids are very smart – they’re smarter than us," said Palmer Way Elementary PTA member, Zayetzy Carrillo.
“Most of our families here, both parents are working. Kids end up with a lot of time alone by themselves. Kids need to realize how vulnerable that they can be. To them it’s all innocent at that level," said National City Mayor, Ron Morrison.
During the event, parents were able to address the risks and challenges kids face online.
“They’re coming out with so many other new things and even new language that we don’t understand," said parent, Anallely Salmeron.
“Parents and caregivers always need to be vigilant even when your child has the technological prowess to navigate the internet, its important that you teach them how to be discerning on the sites that they visit," added Moore.
Families also had the opportunity to engage with experts, participate in discussions and take part in interactive learning demonstrations.
“It’s super, super important for me. I have a 10, 8, 1 and 2-year-old so I’m hoping to hopefully learn a little bit about how to protect them from this world," added Salmeron.
The event is part of a broader effort to navigate the technology. This spring, more than 200 workshops will be held at schools across the nation.
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