Making the most of the internet: workshops for parents and children aged 8 to 14
How do we talk about smartphones, social media, video games and artificial intelligence within the family? How do we move from top-down rules to a dialogue that truly engages young people? These questions have given rise to “Parents’ Day. Words and screens: how to build trust in the digital world”, the new series of workshops promoted by Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS as part of the Live the Internet to the Fullest project, with the support of Google.org.
The Vivi Internet, al meglio programme helps young people and adults to use the web and technology responsibly, to develop digital citizenship and online safety skills, and to recognise the risks and opportunities of the internet and artificial intelligence. The programme is aimed at pupils aged 8 to 14, teachers, parents and carers, offering dedicated courses and practical tools to strengthen the educational partnership between school and family.
The Parents’ Day sessions are designed as two-hour participatory workshops for parents and children. The aim is to promote digital wellbeing, strengthen family dialogue and guide children and pre-teens towards a more conscious, safe and considerate use of technology.
The first part of the session is dedicated to sharing experiences, emotions and concerns related to screen use. We start with everyday life: notifications, chats, videos, online games, time spent on devices, minor family conflicts, and concerns about privacy and digital reputation. From here, a guided discussion takes shape on the most relevant topics in digital education: cyberbullying, fake news, online scams, personal data management, web reputation and positive communication.
The heart of the workshop is the joint creation of a digital pact: parents and children work together to identify rules, values and mutual commitments. The aim is not merely to ‘control’ the use of technology, but to build an educational relationship based on trust, responsibility and support. Each participant concludes the session by choosing a key word and making a concrete promise to bring into family life.
The schedule of meetings
21 May, 5–7 pm
Di Donato School Parents’ Association, Rome
IC Daniele Manin, Di Donato campus
28 May, 4.30–6.30 pm
Association 303
IC Gino Strada
6 June, 4.30–6.30 pm
Ciampino Schools Parents’ Association
Ciampino Council Chamber
A new event is also being organised with the parents’ association of IC Manzi.
With Parents’ Day, digital education moves beyond the traditional format and becomes a community experience: families, schools and associations work together to build shared tools, give voice to concerns and transform technology into an opportunity for dialogue between generations.
