As technology becomes a larger part of daily life – shaping how students learn, connect, and explore the world – the importance of understanding how to navigate it well has never been greater.
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| RSU 14 has scheduled a Digital Safety and Wellness workshop for parents of students in Grade 5 through 12 at 6 p.m. Thursday Jan. 22 at Windham High School to help them understand today's online landscape and gain practical tools for supporting their pre-teen and teen's safety in an increasingly connected digital world. COURTESY PHOTO |
The event will be led by Christopher Fitzpatrick of Portland, who works in education and community outreach focused on helping parents build understanding around online safety and responsible technology use with confidence.
Fitzpatrick’s presentation will take “an honest and thorough approach to the difficult topic of online child exploitation and abuse. It will include an in-depth overview where the agent describes the threats and trends he and his colleagues see in their investigations.” He will discuss real world case examples to help attendees better understand how children and teens can be victimized online.
Other area schools have taken similar steps, either by hosting workshops led by Fitzpatrick or by developing their own programs through parent–teacher collaborations. These efforts have included digital citizenship workshops and community events designed to inform and empower parents with practical guidance on online awareness and safety.
Several RSU 14 educators have taken part in digital safety and awareness efforts beyond their own district, including Lindsay Hanson, Windham High School’s Building Assets, Reducing Risks
(BARR) coordinator, and Jennifer Finck, an RSU 14 social worker.
Both educators have been involved as parents in digital awareness initiatives within the Gorham school community, where their own children attend. Hanson is active with the Gorham Alliance for Thoughtful Technology, which is a community group focused on promoting healthy technology habits. The alliance encourages families to delay smartphone and social media use while supporting play-based childhoods and real-world independence through community events and discussions.
Finck has attended multiple workshops and presentations, including sessions in Gorham that have centered on digital citizenship and youth technology use.
They, along with other RSU 14 social workers and district leaders including Assistant Superintendent Christine Frost-Bertinet, wanted to provide opportunities on digital safety and awareness to this district's parents in a way that supports families where they work.
Finck described the workshops she attended as eye-opening, offering clear and practical information for both parents and educators. She said the sessions highlighted concerning trends but also emphasized prevention and education.
“We learned about many opportunities to help empower families and provide meaningful support,” Finck said. “That’s what we want to bring to this school district—access to the same information and support.”
Hanson said a recent Gorham workshop focused on helping adults better understand both the risks associated with technology and the ways children can be supported in developing a healthy relationship with it. She emphasized the importance of play, independence, and introducing technology in age-appropriate ways.
“We need to empower kids to be independent people first,” Hanson said, adding that resilience, problem-solving skills, and mental well-being are built through real-world experiences. She also stressed the role adults play in making thoughtful decisions that support children as they navigate the digital landscape.
Hanson added that concerns surrounding youth technology is a collaborative effort. “This is a community problem, so there has to be a community solution,” she said.
She encouraged parents to work together around shared expectations, noting that when families align – such as agreeing to delay or limit certain social media platforms – students are less likely to feel isolated or pressured. She urged parents to connect with one another and form small groups to help lead and support these efforts within the community.
Frost-Bertinet said building safer digital habits starts with informed parents who understand the online world their children are navigating. Through parent education sessions, shared resources, and open conversations, the district aims to give families practical, up-to-date information — from how social media algorithms work to recognizing early warning signs of unhealthy technology use.
“When parents understand the risks and benefits of different platforms, apps, and devices, they’re better equipped to make thoughtful decisions that fit their child’s age, maturity, and their family’s values,” Frost-Bertinet said. “We’re not offering one-size-fits-all answers, but empowering parents with knowledge and tools.”
Frost-Bertinet emphasized that families should leave knowing their choices around screen time, access, and online safety matter – and that they don’t have to feel pressured by what others are doing. RSU 14, she said, is committed to being a partner in helping families navigate the digital age with intention and confidence.
Childcare will be available at the Jan. 22 event. Some material may be difficult to hear but the discussion will be handled with sensitivity. A future workshop will be offered for those parents of children under fifth grade. <
Both educators have been involved as parents in digital awareness initiatives within the Gorham school community, where their own children attend. Hanson is active with the Gorham Alliance for Thoughtful Technology, which is a community group focused on promoting healthy technology habits. The alliance encourages families to delay smartphone and social media use while supporting play-based childhoods and real-world independence through community events and discussions.
Finck has attended multiple workshops and presentations, including sessions in Gorham that have centered on digital citizenship and youth technology use.
They, along with other RSU 14 social workers and district leaders including Assistant Superintendent Christine Frost-Bertinet, wanted to provide opportunities on digital safety and awareness to this district's parents in a way that supports families where they work.
Finck described the workshops she attended as eye-opening, offering clear and practical information for both parents and educators. She said the sessions highlighted concerning trends but also emphasized prevention and education.
“We learned about many opportunities to help empower families and provide meaningful support,” Finck said. “That’s what we want to bring to this school district—access to the same information and support.”
Hanson said a recent Gorham workshop focused on helping adults better understand both the risks associated with technology and the ways children can be supported in developing a healthy relationship with it. She emphasized the importance of play, independence, and introducing technology in age-appropriate ways.
“We need to empower kids to be independent people first,” Hanson said, adding that resilience, problem-solving skills, and mental well-being are built through real-world experiences. She also stressed the role adults play in making thoughtful decisions that support children as they navigate the digital landscape.
Hanson added that concerns surrounding youth technology is a collaborative effort. “This is a community problem, so there has to be a community solution,” she said.
She encouraged parents to work together around shared expectations, noting that when families align – such as agreeing to delay or limit certain social media platforms – students are less likely to feel isolated or pressured. She urged parents to connect with one another and form small groups to help lead and support these efforts within the community.
Frost-Bertinet said building safer digital habits starts with informed parents who understand the online world their children are navigating. Through parent education sessions, shared resources, and open conversations, the district aims to give families practical, up-to-date information — from how social media algorithms work to recognizing early warning signs of unhealthy technology use.
“When parents understand the risks and benefits of different platforms, apps, and devices, they’re better equipped to make thoughtful decisions that fit their child’s age, maturity, and their family’s values,” Frost-Bertinet said. “We’re not offering one-size-fits-all answers, but empowering parents with knowledge and tools.”
Frost-Bertinet emphasized that families should leave knowing their choices around screen time, access, and online safety matter – and that they don’t have to feel pressured by what others are doing. RSU 14, she said, is committed to being a partner in helping families navigate the digital age with intention and confidence.
Childcare will be available at the Jan. 22 event. Some material may be difficult to hear but the discussion will be handled with sensitivity. A future workshop will be offered for those parents of children under fifth grade. <
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