BRPS Parenting Workshop 2024
We organised a parenting workshop titled "Internet Addiction: How to Prevent or Help Our Children Overcome It?", led by our Senior School Counsellor, Madam Hung Mong Ping, and ICT Manager, Mr Urwin Ng. The workshop aimed to equip parents with the necessary knowledge and tools to address the growing concerns of internet addiction amongst children. By understanding the impacts of excessive internet use, the school hopes that parent-participants can implement effective strategies to foster healthier online habits in their children.
A hands-on segment kick-started the evening as parents were guided through the process of downloading and effectively using parental control apps on their children’s mobile and online devices. These apps are designed to monitor and limit screen time, ensuring their children engage in a balanced range of activities.
The parenting workshop continued with the sharing on various facets of internet addiction, including its psychological and social impacts. Parents were strongly encouraged to put in place rules that are consistent and be firm with boundaries set when it comes to using the Internet. The workshop presenters also highlighted the importance of parents nurturing feelings of warmth towards their children, and occupying their time with purposeful activities so that there would not be too much of a reliance on their gadgets.
Furthermore, the presenters emphasised the importance of early intervention and for parents to work closely with the school should the need arises.
The workshop concluded with small-group discussions focusing on how parents can meet their children's fundamental needs. Parents and facilitators (members of school’s key personnel team) shared strategies and personal experiences, creating a supportive environment to learn from one another. This collaborative approach underscored the importance of meeting these needs to prevent internet addiction, promoting overall well-being and healthy home-school partnership.
The purposeful workshop provided valuable insights and practical tools for parents, reinforcing the school's commitment to supporting the holistic development of all students. We are also very grateful for the active participation and positive feedback from parents who attended the workshop. We look forward to organising more of such informative and beneficial sessions in the future.
