FOSI Launches How to Be a Good Digital Parent Program

For Release: July 1, 2016

Orlando, FL – The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) today announced a new training program to help parents improve their Internet safety knowledge and skills. Launched at the National Parent Teacher Association convention in Orlando, the "How to Be a Good Digital Parent" program, sponsored by Facebook and Google, will give parents and PTA leaders the tools and resources they need to successfully host an online safety learning event. The program will address parents’ concerns about their children’s Internet use, while also providing tips and tools for a safer and more productive time online.

Included in the program toolkit is a detailed PowerPoint presentation, presenter's guide, instructional video and audience handouts. Parents will receive a copy of the 7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting, a Family Safety Contract, and guides for the Three Teachable Moments, maintaining digital reputation, and safe gaming.

“Our hope is that attendees of the program will leave the presentation with a stronger understanding of today’s technology and how young people are using it,” said Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO of FOSI. “Parents will gain a better grasp on how on how to speak to their child about their use of technology and help them to avoid a negative experience online.”

The toolkit will coach PTA leaders through every step of the program, from the initial planning stages to delivering the presentation. The goal of the program is to allow PTAs to host a successful learning event which will help other parents and caregivers in their communities to have a better understanding of how to address online risks and minimize harms as well as to embrace the benefits of technology.

“Facebook is proud to support the Family Online Safety Institute’s unprecedented effort to deliver online safety tips, tools and resources directly to parents nationwide through state and local PTAs. Making it easy for parents to get the information and tools they need to help their children stay safe online is part of our ongoing commitment to the safety of the Facebook community,” said Facebook’s Head of Global Safety, Antigone Davis.

Complete information about the program, including how to request a presenter’s packet is available here.

About FOSI- The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders in industry, government and the non-profit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions and policies in the field of online safety. Through research, resources, events and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all. FOSI's membership includes 30 of the leading Internet and telecommunications companies around the world.