Dealing with Youth in the Digital World? Help’s at Hand

by Erin Carelse · June 1, 2018

The Jesuit Institute has partnered with the Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) to host a seminar entitled “Digital Pathfinding”. Both the institute and CIE have heard that many schools and parents are struggling to keep up with the pace at which online life is affecting more and more young people, said Kelsay Corrêa, CIE communications manager.

“It has become clear that scare-tactics are not working, and many young people are taking risks on social media — risks that could be dangerous,” she said.

Social media is also changing the way young people interact, live and think.

“Our approach is not one that simply speaks about the dangers of social media. We also really need to be able to help young people, in age-appropriate ways, live with integrity in the digital world,” Ms Corrêa said.

“We believe that, together, we have to work on digital pathfinding as technology continues to change and mould our world,” she said.

Educators and Parents

The seminar is aimed at educators but anyone is welcome to attend.

“We have found that educators struggle most to navigate this complex new world with young people. We hope that this seminar will equip schools with some additional strategies on how to deal with the many challenges that they encounter,” she said.

The seminar takes place from September 13-14 at the Sierra Hotel in Randburg.

Topics to be Covered

A wide range of professionals will offer inputs on topics such as: child psychology and what studies are showing about screen time and online bullying; current South African law; law enforcement; digital policy development; and what online software developers can do to help. A peer-to-peer programme will be made available.

There will be time for interaction and conversation on issues such as best practices.

Ms Corrêa said the seminar is relevant for all educators — not just those in IT — parents, therapists, school lawyers, school board members and anyone else interested in safeguarding children.

To register visit www.cie.org.za. Bookings and payments for accommodation can be made directly with the Sierra Hotel.

For further information contact Kelsay Corrêa at 011 433-1888 ext 108.