MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Public Library is hosting an upcoming program to teach children between the ages of eight and 14 about the basic principles of online safety including the recognition of risks, understanding safe browsing, and the interactive lessons aim to help young internet users safely navigate today’s digital world.
The program, Digital Footprints, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, and runs for one hour from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Herb Taylor Room. The course will be led by James, a staff member at the library who also runs the ongoing Tech Time workshops.
“The program is… just a short little course on basic online safety for kids,” explained Naiomi Setter, the communications clerk at the Moose Jaw Public Library.
“He (James) is going to talk a little bit about what digital footprints are, how we can control and mange them when we’re using the internet, and (how to) be safe (online).”
The course will be taught at an introductory level and isn’t expected to get too technical in consideration of the young audience.
Digital Footprints is a new program at the library and similar workshops pertaining to online safety for children haven’t been offered in a while. Setter didn’t specifically mention any new, concerning trends or requests for the program, but said it’s part of the library’s public outreach.
“It (online safety for children) is always an issue,” she clarified. “As providers of services to the community… I think it’s just something that is great to offer kids. We’re always looking for new ideas for programs for that age group.”
The program also happens to align with the library’s Maker programs which include Maker Saturdays, Teen Makers, and additional relevant workshops.
“We have lots of Maker programs,” Setter said. “Whether they use computers (or not) … Once they (children) start to get into that age where they’re using computers and maybe developing a little bit of a space online, then I think it’s important to educate them on how to be safe and how to use the internet in a way that’s going to protect themselves.”
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend alongside their children, however it’s important to note that the material is intended for a younger audience. Any parents looking for more information may be able to reach out to James for additional resources.
Adults who are interested in learning more about online safety may also reach out to the library to inquire about its ongoing Tech Time programming. Tech Time offers a one-on-one, simplified learning environment for adults to learn about today’s modern computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices.
You can inquire about upcoming Tech Time options by calling the library at 306-692-2787.
If the course proves to be popular, Setter said the public library will consider hosting more courses on this topic in the near future.
Advance registration is required to attend the upcoming workshop. To register, visit MJLibrary.ca and search for ‘Digital Footprints.’ Digital Footprints is offered free of charge, as is all programming at the library unless otherwise stated.
The deadline to apply is one hour before the program, begins on Sept. 7, but as spots are limited and filling up fast, it’s advisable to book as soon as possible. If the program is full, new applicants will be put on a waiting list and can reach out to the library for more information.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-692-2787. For more information, visit MJLibrary.ca or visit ‘Moose Jaw Public Library’ on Facebook.
