Remaining up to date in the fluid virtual world as parents, caregivers and professionals is essential to protecting children and youth online.
That’s the driving force behind Parenting in a Digital Age, a multi-media presentation by Dr. Charlene Doak-Gebauer and presented this evening (Oct. 22) by the Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley.
Dr. Doak-Gebauer is recognized internationally for her efforts in digital child and family protection. She is the award-winning producer of the documentary, Vulnerable Innocence and is the founder and chair of the Canadian charity, Internet Sense First and creator of the AICET Council (International Anti-Internet Child Exploitation Team).
She will be talking about her theory of digital supervision, which is user-friendly, and is comprised of three parts.
Dr. Doak-Gebauer has been recognized dozens of times for her work as a researcher, educator, advocate and film-maker dedicated to ensuring all children are safe online, regardless of country borders, race, ethnicity, or religion.
Her presentation will touch on cyberbullying, child sexual abuse, AI and its effect on child safety online.
She adds, “I am considered a computer science specialist in education and have managed computer networks. And because of that, speaking with students, parents and professionals, I’ve realized there’s a huge gap between what’s going on out there and knowledge.”
And Dr. Doak-Gebauer speaks from personal experience.
“I had a situation in my family where my niece at the age of four was used for child sexual abuse material by neighbors. And she lived her life to the fullest, but at the age of 22 was killed by a drunk driver. And I started everything in memory of her and in support of all children. Because this is the crime of the century, unfortunately.”
And, she experienced sexual assault at the age of 15 by a high school teacher.
A key takeaway from the multimedia presentation will be effective digital supervision techniques.
She stresses, “Our children need us more now, than they ever have in the history of the world.”
The free presentation is open to all community members including parents, grandparents, caregivers, childcare professionals, teachers and coaches and runs 7 to 9 this evening (Oct. 22) at the Port Stanley Arena. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Written by Ian McCallum
