Left to Their Own Devices: Professional Development by Jo Robertson

Professional Development Workshop for Teachers and Educators

Young people are growing up in an online world that is changing rapidly. Social media, pornography, digital relationships and constant access to information can shape how they understand identity, relationships, sex, consent and acceptable behaviour.

Led by therapist and educator Jo Robertson, Left to Their Own Devices gives teachers and educators a clear-eyed understanding of the digital environments young people are navigating and the impact these experiences can have on their attitudes, behaviour, relationships and wellbeing.

This practical professional development workshop will help educators feel more informed and confident when responding to the complex situations young people bring into classrooms and school communities.

What the workshop covers

Jo will explore:

• The online world young people are actually experiencing

• How digital content can influence attitudes, behaviour and relationships

• The impact of pornography and sexualised online content

• Practical language for conversations about sex, consent and healthy relationships

• Key messages that may need to be approached differently across genders

• Strategies for incorporating these topics into the curriculum

• How educators can respond to difficult questions and situations with clarity and confidence

• What schools and educators can share with parents and caregivers

• Ways to support a young person’s wellbeing across school, home and online environments

What you will take away

Participants will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of current online influences and pressures

• Practical language to use in sensitive or challenging conversations

• Greater confidence discussing sex, consent, relationships and online behaviour

• Concrete ideas for bringing these topics into classroom learning

• Guidance for communicating with parents and caregivers

• Stronger, more consistent messages to support young people at school and at home

Why this matters

Young people often encounter complex online content and messages before the adults supporting them realise it. Teachers and educators are increasingly responding to the effects of these experiences through classroom conversations, behaviour, friendships, relationships and wellbeing concerns.

Avoiding these topics does not prevent young people from being exposed to them. It can leave them to interpret difficult material without reliable guidance or a trusted adult to turn to.

This workshop equips educators with practical, age-appropriate ways to begin these conversations, respond thoughtfully and help young people develop healthier expectations around relationships, consent and online behaviour.

About Jo Robertson

Jo Robertson is a therapist and educator who supports parents, schools and communities to navigate conversations about relationships, sexuality, consent, pornography and the online world. Her approach is honest, practical and grounded in the realities young people and the adults supporting them face today.

Workshop details

Date: 29 October
Time: 3.30–5 pm
Venue: Mahitahi Colab Tasman
Address: 18 Stafford Drive, Māpua
Cost: $65 per person
Group discounts: Available for schools and organisations