Throughout Texas, 63 schools are taking part in a Parent Teacher Association digital literacy initiative called "
Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!
."
Sponsored by AT&T and the National PTA, this initiative equips students with laptops and offers training to parents and caretakers, enabling them to safeguard their children’s online experiences.
Ruben De La Paz, who serves as the PTA president, Eduardo Mata Montessori In Dallas, as part of this initiative, numerous parents mentioned they lack the knowledge on how to converse with their children regarding technology.
“Regardless of whether it involves discussing cyberbullying, identifying warning signs, or pinpointing aspects we should avoid,” De La Paz explained. “There isn’t really a set guideline regarding at what age our children can safely engage with these issues, so having guidance on navigating potential pitfalls as parents would be immensely beneficial.”
Mata Montessori is a dual language Title I school, where 75% of the students have Spanish as their first language.
The objective of this initiative is to tackle the issue of the digital gap by ensuring greater access to the internet for additional students. Participating families take part in a Phone Readiness Quiz developed jointly with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
De La Paz emphasized that beyond assisting children in utilizing technology for education, they also instruct them on how to stay safe while navigating the internet.
De La Paz stressed the importance of meeting individuals where they stand and maintaining pragmatism. He highlighted ensuring they understand what to watch out for as well. Additionally, he underscored the significance of avoiding fear or shame in children and encouraging them to speak up without hesitation when they notice anything concerning.
Throughout the nation, 350 regional PTAs were chosen for the initiative.