On Friday 1st of September, in the auditorium of the Starfield Montessori School, a diverse group of parents, educators, and experts gathered, both physically and virtually, with a shared concern – the digital age, an era that has ushered us into unprecedented technological advancements, and also brings forth a horde of challenges in the aspect of parenting. The topic, “Raising Kids in the Digital Age”, thoughtfully selected by the management of the Starfield Montessori School was being appraised.
In a world where screens compete for attention with playgrounds, textbooks, and bedtime stories, navigating the digital landscape has become a complex dance for parents, guardians and educators. The panel, which consisted of Ms Mfonabasi Omagbemi a Data Analyst, Ms. Omotade Alade the CEO, Beibei Haven, Ms. Chinyere Abang a Digital Content Creator, Ms. Rema Udo the CEO, Rhed and Maya, Ms Dooshima Dapo-Oyewole an Information Assurance, Policy and Governance Advisor, and Ms Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi a Children’s Author & Convener of Akada Children’s Book Festival was moderated by Ms Blessing, a representative of the Starfield Montessori school.
This panel session was not just an assembly of speakers but a symphony of wisdom, experience, and forward-thinking minds coming together to address how best to raise children in this new era. It was a conversation that transcended clichéd admonishments to “limit screen time” or “just unplug.” Instead, it aimed to dissect the digital age as an intricate ecosystem that, when harnessed wisely, could foster creativity, curiosity, and connectivity, but when left unchecked, could pose profound challenges to our children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
Ms Rema stated “Not all internet access is equal. The truth is that unrestricted access is never good.” She further explained how the internet isn’t the problem but ensuring that our kids are accessing the right information and sites on the internet. This point was supported by Ms. Mfonabasi when she stated “The internet has been a major contributor to how my daughter learns. Preventing measures by instilling value in her. We need to train our children to the point where they can make the right decisions on their own.”
The panelists sympathized with other parents navigating this delicate era. “We are trying to do better in our generation,” said Ms. Omotade. It’s not an easy task being a parent, and no one says you have to know it all, you just have to keep trying your best to make sure your children turn out great.
Whether we like it or not, the digital age is here and we have to embrace it or get left behind. Given this, the panelist gave some advice to parents. Ms Omotade stated, “I’m very big on discipline. If you want to embrace the digital age make sure you discipline your child”. She explained that setting certain rules and guidelines with her children helps to regulate their use of the internet and allows them time for other things.
Ms Chinyere stated that she uses parenting apps to help check the applications her kids are on and has set times when they can use their devices. Each panellist shared the parenting tactics that worked best for them while navigating this new parenting territory.
As we reflect on this insightful event, we’re reminded that Starfield Montessori School is a beacon of guidance and support in the journey of raising resilient and well-rounded individuals who are poised to thrive in this new era. Their holistic approach to education equips students to not just survive but to truly excel in the dynamic digital age, ensuring they are well-prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
It was a very interactive session as parents and teachers in the audience asked questions and made comments and observations about the topic. They all started with how they loved the fact that Starfield had organized this discussion which is very salient and prominent in today’s parenting world.
In conclusion, the key takeaway from the panel was that it is up to parents to be able to raise their kids right and allow them to be able to choose for themselves between bad and good. As parents/guardians you may not always be present, so it is left to teach your kids to identify what is negative and what is positive, and pray that they make the right decision.
The event ended on a high note with teachers, and panelists networking and exchanging parenting tips and techniques that have worked for them. The exchange was a remarkable and memorable aspect of the event.
Starfield Montessori School was founded in 2011 and has been a beacon of quality education and emotional well-being for students. Starfield is more than just a school, this can be seen through the insightful conversations they are having; Starfield is a nurturing, encouraging, and intellectually stimulating environment dedicated to unlocking the potential of each child. Their goal is to prepare children for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning, equipping them with essential knowledge and problem-solving skills for success in the 21st century. With Starfield, your child’s journey to excellence begins.
Starfield Is Social
Website: www.starfieldmontessorischool.com/
Instagram: @starfieldmontessori
Twitter: @starfieldms
