In our digital world, kids are accessing information and pictures instantaneously.  But are they making the right decisions and choices about what they are sharing and participating in while online?  With increased access and usage of iPads, laptops, and mobile devices are you able monitor everything your kids are doing?  As parents, do you feel equipped with enough knowledge to engage your children in a meaningful dialogue about issues related to online safety?  Or better yet, do your kids know how to approach you with questions related to what they are seeing and doing online?

As a mother, I know that creating an open dialogue with kids is extremely important.  As an educator and Director of eLearning for Powerful Learning Practice I know that parents could use assistance in gathering information and activities that will allow their families to learn in an engaging manner.

I've created two new family online courses around digital safety that will be give parents access to a ‘parents only’ online virtual community (open 24/7) and weekly (live) sixty-minute webinars.  In the online community, parents will have access to articles, videos, surveys and online discussions all related to online safety topics. 

Weekly topics for the Bits and Bytes: Helping Kids Make Smart Choices include:

• Creating Boundaries & Limiting Risks
• Email, Chats, Gaming & Online Research for Kids
• Cyberbullying
• Social Networks (Facebook, YouTube, etc.)

Weekly topics for the Digital Footprints: Helping Teens Make Smart Choices include:

• Texting while driving
• Social Networks (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
• Cyberbullying
• Sexting

I hope you will join me in this venture in keeping as we work to protect and keep our children safe!