Free Gozo sessions to help parents manage children’s technology use

Two free educational sessions for parents of primary school children in Gozo will be held next month to offer guidance on children’s use of technology and social media, the government has announced.

The initiative, themed “Supporting Parents in the New Digital Era”, was announced by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri, who said the sessions are intended to equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their children responsibly in an increasingly digital world.

“In a world that is becoming ever more digital, it is essential that parents are given the tools and knowledge they need to guide their children responsibly. These sessions represent an important step in addressing the new realities families are facing, while promoting a healthy balance between technology and child development,” Camilleri said.

The sessions are being organised in collaboration with Smartphone Free Childhood Gozo, a parents’ initiative set up to support families facing the challenges of the digital age.

The group was founded by a small number of parents in January last year and has since grown substantially, driven by the experiences of other parents and international research suggesting that the introduction of smartphones should be delayed for as long as possible.

Its stated aim is to encourage parents to inform themselves and prepare their children before giving them personal smartphones or exposing them to social media.

Elaine Pavia Grima, one of the founders of Smartphone Free Childhood Gozo, said the group promotes early education on the negative effects and risks associated with uncontrolled use of technology.

Through the initiative, parents share experiences, ideas and possible solutions, while also organising activities and educational sessions to raise awareness.

The upcoming sessions will focus on a number of issues related to child development and technology, including how excessive use of electronic devices may affect brain development, how the brain functions, and how parents can introduce a healthier balance in screen use.

They will also seek to help parents better understand the difference between technology more broadly and social media in particular.

The sessions will be led by neuroscientist Dr Erika Galea, who is expected to share her expertise in the field while offering practical advice to parents.

They will take place on Wednesday, 15 April, and Saturday, 18 April, from 9am to 11.30am at the hall of Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School in Victoria, Gozo.

The Saturday session will repeat the same content to give parents greater flexibility in attending.

Participation is free of charge and open to all parents of children attending primary schools in Gozo, including both state and Church schools.

Parents are being encouraged to register in advance through an online form. Those attending will also receive a free copy of the book The Amazing Generation.

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