The internet has transformed the way we learn, create, connect, and are entertained. It has given our children access to the world but has also given the world access to our children. Parenting in the digital age can be complex and challenging. While there are many benefits for our children being online, there are also risks. As the trusted adults in our children’s lives, we can support them to maximise the benefits and minimise and manage the risks. Guidance, education, and protection have the potential to empower children to use technology respectfully, responsibly, critically, and creatively.

You will leave this comprehensive and evidence-based parent/carer workshop with up-to-date information, conversation starters, practical strategies, and resource recommendations.

The presentation will include:

Technology’s effect on developing bodies, brains, and behaviour.
Screen time and healthy boundaries – creating a family technology plan.
Managing ‘tech tantrums’.
Gaming, social media and media literacy.
Age inappropriate, hurtful, harmful, and illegal content, including sexualised media and pornography.
Tricky people and unsafe behaviours (Online predators and online grooming/catphishing).
Youth produced sexual content and sextortion.
Interpersonal conflict, peer relationships, managing emotions and digital reputation.
Protecting privacy and personal information.
Child-friendly conversation starters.
Parental control tools – safer devices and homes.
Resource and book recommendations.
Post workshop access to resources.

Our presenter

Kayelene Kerr of eSafeKids will present this excellent session as part of the St Stephen's School Parent Series. eSafeKids is a social enterprise founded by Kayelene who is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of workshops about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography education. Kayelene has featured on Australian and international television broadcasts, radio programs and in print media.

Kayelene draws on over 27 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. She delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle challenging topics.

Kayelene has travelled extensively as a sought after key note speaker and workshop facilitator. She has presented to international audiences and has delivered keynote addresses and workshops at education, child protection, health, family and domestic violence, community services and cyber security conferences. Kayelene has also presented to many primary and secondary school students, government and non-government departments, service providers and businesses.

Kayelene is one of the Telethon Kids Institute’s (TKI) trusted online safety experts and is currently working with the Institute on a number of ongoing projects. Kayelene is endorsed by the Australian eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.