Google, National PTA Host Family Online Safety Workshop In Atlanta

Dr. Sean Arthurs, senior manager of education initiatives for the National PTA, talks to kids Monday, April 23 at the Google workshop.

One of the world’s largest tech companies teamed up with the National Parent Teacher Association to help keep metro Atlanta families abreast of privacy safeguards available to them. Google invited parents and guardians to their local office for the an Atlanta Family Online Safety Workshop.

Google, National PTA Hosts Family Online Safety Workshop In Atlanta

The event took place Monday, April 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Google’s Midtown office at 10 10th Street NE.

Atlanta has been chosen as the kickoff city of the pilot program, which will offer essential tips on online safety,  parent-centered online safety workshops led by National PTA and information on how to keep your data safe.

Google also released the findings of its Atlanta Family Online Safety survey, which includes info culled from 1,000 Atlanta families on their online safety habits and perceptions. Here are some of the data:

  • 38% use a different password for each online account
  • 66% double-check the web address of links in email
  • 29% use two-step verification
  • 82% have spoken to their kids about the information they post online
  • 81% have spoken to their kids about online bullying or harassment
  • 78% have spoken to their kids about finding trustworthy information online

Lucian Teo, Google’s User Education and Outreach Manager, along with Sean Arthurs, National PTA’s Senior Manager of Education Initiatives, were on hand along with area parents and guardians.

“It has never been more important to understand the basics of online safety, and parents need a strong baseline of knowledge to teach their families how to protect their information online,” Teo said in a news release. “We’ve teamed up with National PTA to introduce our first Family Online Safety Workshop, bringing families together to share the knowledge they’ve gathered teaching their own kids to stay safe on the web.”

“As parents, we want to help guide our children so they can navigate the world and make safe, smart, informed decisions,” Teo added.

CJ Johnson: CJ is a longtime Atlantan who has written a book about Atlanta's food scene. He has also fallen in love with the city's music and sports scenes. He writes about Food, Restaurants, Travel, Sports and Atlanta Culture. Check out the book. https://amzn.to/3RPmbZM