Parents and guardians in Boston looking to up their digital savviness can now register for a free virtual workshop that tackles the complexities of internet and social media safety for the youth of today. The Boston Police Department, in partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, will host the "Stop Block Talk: Empowering Youth to Stay Safe Online" event on Wednesday, July 23, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The session is set to dive into the risks and rewards associated with widely-used social media applications, websites, and games, laying out strategies to safeguard young netizens. Not only is the workshop aiming to educate adults on how to navigate the perils of the online world, but they will also learn how to engage in constructive dialogue with kids about maintaining their digital well-being, these details were made public in a recent announcement by the Boston Police Department.
Interested individuals must register to attend, and can do so through the provided link at bit.ly/sbt72325. In an effort to be inclusive, the virtual event will offer Spanish interpretation services. Note, the workshop is designed exclusively for an adult audience, providing them with the insights and tools required to navigate and oversee the digital playground their children engage with daily.
As technological platforms evolve and the curtain between online personas and real identities becomes ever more thin, the initiative by law enforcement and advocacy groups is a timely intervention. The program underscores the collective responsibility to ensure that the virtual world, a place of boundless information and connection can also be a secure space for the most vulnerable. For questions, participants are directed to reach out to Erica Chepulis, Training Program Manager, at [email protected] or Jackie Lamont, Director of Youth Safety, at [email protected] for even more information about the event.
