Navigating the Digital World Together: Join Us for this Important Conversation

By Lindsay Boddy

Last spring, one of the first programs I attended as the incoming Executive Director was Tri-Town Council’s screening of Screenagers: Under the Influence. Following the film, a panel of experts in law enforcement, education, social work, and youth leadership engaged in a thoughtful Q&A with audience members. The questions asked during that conversation made something very clear to me. Parents and caregivers are seeking guidance as they try to understand screen time, social media, and the ever-evolving digital world.

One of the panelists shared an analogy that really stuck. She compared the internet to New York City. If your seven-year-old asked to walk around Times Square alone, the answer would be a definite “no.” Even at fifteen, most of us would still pause before letting our kids explore a huge city without any support or guidance. Now think about this- The internet is even bigger, and people hide behind screens, which sometimes makes risky behavior more likely. Yet our kids, at every age, are out there in that digital world every day, often without us knowing exactly where they are or who they are interacting with.

Yet our kids, at every age, are out there in that digital world every day, often without us knowing exactly where they are or who they are interacting with.

This raises real questions for every family. What boundaries are reasonable? How do we strike a balance between safety and independence? Is there even a clear right or wrong answer? At the same time, adults face our own pressures. The digital world is embedded into everything from school communication to bus tracking apps to daily work responsibilities. Putting devices down can feel impossible, and our kids are watching how we navigate it.

The truth is, no matter what rules we as parents set at home, kids are using technology and the internet every day at school and with friends. They are already out there in the digital world, so what they really need is support, guidance, and adults who can help them navigate it all.

... what they really need is support, guidance, and adults who can help them navigate it all.

TTC is committed to helping families feel empowered in this space. On November 4, we are thrilled to welcome nationally recognized internet safety expert Katie Greer to Masco. She will speak with middle and high school students during the school day, addressing the real issues facing youth online. That evening, Tuesday Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., she will lead a lively presentation for parents and caregivers of kids of all ages, and any community members who want to feel more confident helping youth (and anyone) navigate the digital world.

This session will offer practical strategies, current information, and an opportunity to learn what our own youth are asking and experiencing. Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Leave feeling more confident about the boundaries, expectations, and conversations that will help keep kids safe.

We hope you will join us for this important community presentation. Together, we can help young people thrive in a complex digital world.

Register now, or just show up! Tuesday, Nov. 4 7pm @ Masco: tritowncouncil.org/events