There is an increasing demand for educational sessions focused on internet awareness, reflecting the need for greater insight into guiding and mentoring children in the digital realm. Educational institutions are calling for robust tools to facilitate impactful parent meetings dedicated to these topics.
As the state’s authority on media oversight, The Norwegian Media Authority dedicates itself to upholding the values of freedom of expression, security, and democracy. One of its core missions is to cultivate a wide media landscape and to instill a nuanced media literacy within the community, particularly among young users.
For this purpose, the Ombudsman in Buskerud and The Norwegian Media Authority have created a tool designed to foster thoughtful discussion, focusing on ‘Digital Discernment and Parents as Guides and Role Models for Children’.
Specifique's task was to formulate an educational methodology and tool to bolster digital awareness among parents. The Dialogue Mat functions as a springboard for conversation among parents of 2nd and 3rd graders.
The initiative is a valuable resource for parent meetings and themed gatherings, targeting the critical period before children emerge as prominent online users. This tool encourages parents to collectively harness strategies to more effectively navigate, participate in, and positively influence their children’s digital interactions.
There has been developed two Dialogue Mats for the initiative, each tailored for separate parent meetings or theme nights, scheduled months apart to incorporate parental feedback and experiences. This iterative process can be guided by the school’s own resources, including educators or parent representatives, aiming to kindle digital savvy through engaged conversation rather than traditional didactic approaches.
Background for the initative
With Norwegian children engaging with the internet and mobile technology at young ages, they encounter not only the pleasures and educational benefits of digital connectivity but also the challenges and risks that come with it. Given their limited experience, children depend on adult guidance and advice to safely navigate this space. Parents, eager to support their children’s constructive internet usage, are increasingly seeking wisdom and resources to empower their kids to thrive online.
Dialogue Mat highlights:
- Designed for two distinct parental engagement events, suitable for parents of 2nd and 3rd graders.
- Addresses crucial digital life topics: Online Privacy, Behavior, Autonomy vs. Oversight, Age Appropriate Content, and Handling of Inappropriate Material.
- Facilitated by school-appointed resource individuals (with recommended training in the process).
- Encourages municipal collaboration for the rollout of training and procurement of Dialogue Mats.
- To learn more about this initiative, please refer to our Digital Discernment guide.
