This past week a great dialogue started at a parent/community event hosted by my school board’s Parent Involvement Committee. Based on the premise that social media is not going away, our school board supported the committee to host an evening of panel presentations and dialogue regarding social media and its impact on our youth. Attendance was great and included all stakeholders in education for this “Social Media Lowdown” (#SMLoDown). Our panel of student, community police officer, and teacher/parent provided excellent insight and perspectives to the many aspects of social media and our changing communication technologies. Parents were eager for the guidance — some attending with their children. A most engaging and informative Q&A and discussion amongst the panelists and participants followed.
Some feedback from parents already suggests to me that the evening was well received and appreciated and that the dialogue will continue in our community. One parent expressed her relief that the session wasn’t just about “all the bad things” that could happen to kids online. She was most happy to gain insight to guide the opportunities that social media networking has to offer. Other parents felt it was exactly the information they needed to better support their children with social media and online experiences. Some felt that for such an important topic, more parents should have been in attendance. However, I think the 60-70 audience size allowed for good discussion and sharing. I am confident that conversation and critical thinking will branch out from these participants. It has been great to hear about some engaging conversations that have already occurred within families since the evening’s event. Further resources will be shared electronically with those who attended and anyone else interested. I am certain there will be further opportunities for this dialogue as well.
I am most grateful that our school board supported this topic and outreach to parents and to our community. Much appreciation has been extended to all who supported and attended. We had a great moderator and support from a local radio station as well. Our student trustee on the panel was such an important voice in this dialogue! All three panelists provided valuable perspectives and helpful suggestions. Andrew Campbell, our teacher/parent panelist has provided his presentation slides and the video of his talk on his blog to help the dialogue continue. Thanks, Andrew!
I am honoured to have been a part of a change in conversation about social media and the support of our youth. I hope my sharing of this event and the resources will help others with this dialogue and support in their own communities.
Here is a list of resources/reading we compiled for further support:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada – Video
MediaSmarts (Canadian site/also a good follow on Twitter: @MediaSmarts)
Media and Digital Literacy: Resources for Parents
Parent Resources – YouTube Help
Why Being Young Doesn’t Make You a Social Media Expert
Kids & Technology: The Developmental Health Debate
Seven Media-Savvy Skills All Parents Need in 2013
Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media
Keeping One Step Ahead of Kids in a Mobile World
Choose What Happens Next – A Series of Video Lessons on Responsible Cyber Citizenship
A Letter to Parents of Digital Age Children
Creating a Family Media Agreement: How to Have the Conversation
Some food for thought for both parents and educators:
SheilaSpeaking 
Apr 12, 2013 @ 13:43:08
That’s a great list of resources, and Andrew’s powerpoint is well worth a look – easy to follow even if you weren’t in the audience, and some helpful hints and ideas.
Apr 15, 2013 @ 00:05:31
I have added the video link of Andrew’s presentation now as well, Jacqui. Thanks for checking out the resources!
Apr 12, 2013 @ 14:07:03
Thanks Sheila, Great post and resources!
Changing the Conversation: Youth and Social Med...
Apr 12, 2013 @ 20:39:53
Apr 13, 2013 @ 10:59:22
Hi Sheila, this post was well timed as we (my Social Media class and I) are in the process of planning such an event for next fall. The format you describe and resources are very useful. Just a couple of questions: How did you advertise and get parents out to the event? Did you invite all parents from across the district (ie not just from one school, or age group)? Do you have any other insights or tips for planning such an event? I like the idea of a community member being moderator.
Unfortunately I think many parents receive information only on the negative aspects of Social Media (as you mentioned) and this idea seems like a more proactive and healthy approach to this important topic.
Thanks for sharing!
c
Apr 13, 2013 @ 21:25:20
Great news regarding your plans!
Yes, this was a “board-wide” event, so outreach and communications went to all the schools in our area – elem and sec. We distributed a poster by email as much as possible, encouraging others to share and reminding that it was open for anyone to attend. It was helpful to have all homes in the district receive an automated phone/synrevoice msg. as well. So I would suggest multiple modes of communication and a few reminders, if you can.
Linking community participants can really help too. I think our title helped the interest in the session as well…something a bit different that we usually hear on this topic. I think the “panel” approach was key to the interest and support as well.
Keep in touch as you put together your plans!
Apr 14, 2013 @ 11:10:17
Thanks for sharing your resources Sheila – that is a great list. Fantastic approach to the discussion, involving the community and students themselves makes the discussion so much richer. And your title was catchy, as was the hashtag which had me clicking from half way across the country!
Apr 15, 2013 @ 00:08:12
Thanks, Jeannine! It was a rich discussion! Glad you checked out the hashtag! Others are using it when tweeting related resources now 🙂
Changing the Conversation: Youth and Social Med...
Jul 22, 2013 @ 22:25:12
Feb 23, 2014 @ 22:22:38