If it’s not already an objective, I’d add one more:
* to encourage conversations between parents and children about internet safety, …

This kind of conversation
* requires a common vocabulary (other posters have noted that many adults may not know what social networking means).
* requires the ability to see and understand the other party’s perspective. (Does my child know what I fear? Do I know what my child gains from using the internet?)
* would allow a negotiation of what safety on the internet means.

I’m not sure a separate presentation to the kids and parents would be the optimal way to pursue this objective. I’d advise making the class for parents and kids together. I could see quite a bit of audience participation as the kids and adults try to provide definitions for the various terms.

Might be worth considering.

Jennifer

Gary, I side with you in not wanting people to overreact and throw away their computers after hearing a talk on Internet safety and the dangers there. I am trying to advocate a balanced and informed approach. I do think there is value in providing opportunities for parents (and others, even school administrators) to get together and talk about changes in the information landscape, how it is affecting them in their specific context, and what other options we may have depending on our individual and family priorities. I do like your “cut to the chase” summary. I think there IS more, however. I am encouraging adults to go online with their kids, and if they have an account on myspace or facebook create one there too. I’m encouraging them to visit the pages of their children’s’ friends, and talk about what is posted there. Those ideas do fall under the umbrella “talk to your kids” but I think those specifics can be very helpful for parents.

I also think it’s important to address the bullying issues.

Sylvia, your suggestion of finding out what people want and then trying to give it to them, in terms of discussion and content, is a very sound one. I’m thinking we’ll start the first session with a KWL activity for that very reason.

AHF, you’re right about this season being busy. I did have some discretion in scheduling these sessions– I was busier earlier in the fall, and I didn’t want this to go into December… Feb or Mar could work better. The schedule is set now, however, and it’s for 2 sessions. I’m thinking now about NOT adding other “live” elements and just reflecting on the experience myself here and on the Digital Dialog Ning. I just received a phone call today from our state library association to possibly do a session on this topic as a full day workshop for their state conference in May. That person had listened to one of my previous podcasts on Internet safety and thought the message would be good for librarians. So more doors for this dialog are opening….

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful feedback and suggestions.

A suggestion (if not done already)…
* Make a half page brochure and add to Sunday bulletin explaining the class and defining the terminology - like social networking.

And a request…
* If you do go ahead with the class, please make an audio or video recording so us anynchronous types can enjoy and learn from it.

Perhaps folks aren’t as alarmed by the Internet as the fear industry suggests.

Perhaps there is nothing new here as compared to good parenting in other times.

Perhaps people have other priorities.

Perhaps the Internet just isn’t that interesting.

Perhaps you are confusing people by offering a series of workshops about tech literacy and marketing it as a weapon against danger.

Perhaps the message is condescending.

On the odd occasion that I’ve been invited to speak on the topic of net safety, it has been to balance the hysterical claims of “experts” claiming that children were in immediate peril. I once shared a stage with a consultant who wanted to siphon $300,000 from a terrified school and an FBI agent who kept running graphic pornography in front of the audience (a very effective speaker technique). Surprisingly, the parents kept requesting to see more porn.

My message in that context is to to discuss what parents, children and educators will lose by overreacting and losing their common sense.

* Use a filter or don’t use a filter.
* Talk to your kids.
* Supervise your children to the best of your ability.

What else is there?

Not sure about the online idea, I think the group who would self-select to join might confuse/drown out the needs of your local parents.

The title seems a little overwhelming, and at the same time, really narrow. Do you really need the second half? Most parents I talk to don’t get all the distinctions and might not even know what “social networking” is. It might be online dating for all most people know!

I think most people are just worried about how to raise a good kid with all the distractions out there that didn’t exist when they were growing up.

Bringing in online voices is also an excellent idea, but who will you open it up to to make sure that the conversation stays constructive and open to differing opinions?