Workshops for children from Grade R – 12
Workshops for children from Grade R – 12
equipping students for the digital age
It is paramount that schools actively support students in developing healthy relationships with technology, prioritizing their safety, and fostering confidence as they explore the digital world. Education must go beyond mere technological implementation; it must guide students to understand both the positive and negative aspects of technology, emphasizing its potential to benefit themselves and their communities.
Educators widely agree that online safety must be an integral part of the school curriculum. This is an undeniable necessity. Parents and teachers alike need to remain vigilant about safety, ethical implications, and the undeniable fact that technology is now woven into the fabric of learning. Including online safety education helps equip children with the skills to be responsible and secure users, teaching them to manage risks rather than simply avoid them.
Furthermore, it’s essential to provide ongoing education on the day-to-day use of technology for teachers, students, and administrators. The pervasive challenge of personal misuse and overuse of technology has become widespread in schools and daily life. Therefore, the concept of Digital Citizenship—how to be a responsible and engaged member of the digital world—should be deeply ingrained in our school culture. It should not be just a standalone class, but a core principle permeating every aspect of education and a way of life for the entire school community.
In conclusion, our true worth is not defined by superficial measures of popularity, likes, or notifications. True empowerment comes when we see through the external pressures and doubts that can undermine our sense of self. Your genuine strength doesn’t come from external factors like appearance, education, background, or financial status. It comes from an inner resilience and an inherent value that cannot be diminished.
Just as a precious vessel, designed for both beauty and function, can be broken yet restored with care and expertise, so too can we safeguard our minds and hearts from distress and disconnection. Be mindful of the influence and control that technology can wield in your life. Embrace your authentic self and live as a beacon of integrity, compassion, and understanding in a world longing for genuine connection.
Digital Insights & Wellness Talks
Prof Anke de Beer delivers an honest perspective of the various aspects of the digital world.
Workshops for learners from Grade R to Grade 12
The workshop aims to disclose the truth, point to the potential risks and give invaluable insight on how to wisely navigate a life online and how to keep the family safe. Through her presentation you will discover how digital devices and apps are designed with the sole intent to be addictive and how excessive time spent on them inevitably leads to social, cognitive, developmental, spiritual, emotional, and academic decay.
It will be an invaluable resource for those who need to assess, treat, and prevent Internet addiction in children and adolescents since it approaches this dilemma from a unique perspective. Finally, the workshop will also provide ideas and solutions on how to manage the use of these technologies safely and wisely to experience a more satisfying, productive and happier life.
Questions that will be addressed:
- How can I equip my child with the spiritual foundation, skills, and capabilities to engage in communities responsibly and constructively, both online and offline?
- What skills do children need to do that?
- How can we balance digital opportunities with risks? And importantly, how can education help?
- The Nature of Addiction: Can you really be addicted to digital devices and the Internet?
- How can I protect children from harm in the digital environment and educate them about the pitfalls?
- What steps can I take to limit time spent online?
- What boundaries can I set for screen time for different age groups?
- What is the truth about online sex and what does the law say?
- How can I help a child who has been bullied online and how to prevent Cyber bullying?
Topics to choose from:
- The Dark Side of Technology: Deep fake Pornography and AI.
- Cyber bullying, traditional bullying and the legal implications.
- Gaming addiction and the effect thereof on the developing brain.
- Social media, a growing concern.
- A combination of all the topics in one workshop (Title: My child in a digital world).
- Children who self-harm.
NOTE: Please note that Anke is especially concerned about not exposing children to the harm of pornography. For the younger age group, the terms SAVE and UNSAVE will be used. Although the topic of exposure to dangerous content will be addressed with care, the focus will be more on what to do in case of exposure.
Time duration:
High school: Each session is about 75 minutes
Primary school: 60 minutes
Foundation phase and lower: 35 -40 minutes
Setup
PowerPoint presentation will be used. A projector and screen must be provided. All the presentations consist of videos. Please ensure that sound is available.
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