Ah, screens!
Dear friends,
The first month of our year of well-being was marked by the Special Commission on the impact of screens and social networks on youth health and development. Our Federation was the first organization to present its findings and conclusions to the commission on September 12. We pointed out the importance of digital education for all, children and adults alike, as well as the need to respect local needs and realities when making decisions.
Mélanie Laviolette and Jérôme Maltais, vice-president of the FCPQ, during their visit to the National Assembly for the special commission on screens.
Respecting the role and powers of governing boards is one of the issues that comes up regularly in my public interventions. Governing boards play a vital role in decisions concerning school operations and student success. It’s up to all of us to understand and value this role.
Parents, of course, have a major role to play in youth’s use of screens and social networks. We’re our children’s first educators, and we have a duty to set an example for them by adopting a healthy and ethical approach to the use of our electronic devices and the platforms we consult. Easy to say, hard to do, you might say! I agree. That’s why we also need support as parents. Here’s a tool suggested by PAUSE to help us ask ourselves the right questions about our use of screens as a family.
Let’s take our responsibilities!
These responsibilities include accompanying our youth on their educational journey and respecting the school and its staff. Talking positively about education can make a difference in our children’s paths. They listen to us and imitate us, even in secondary school!
Back to screens. I was disappointed that artificial intelligence was not one of the topics addressed by the special commission. However, the Ministry of Education is looking into its use in education and is currently conducting a survey among parents to gather their views. I encourage you to participate.
In addition, the FCPQ is joining forces with the Périscope network and Entretiens Jacques-Cartier for a discussion on generative artificial intelligence in the school experience of youth. All parents are invited to join the discussion on Facebook on October 17 at 8pm.
We’re also launching the 2024-2025 program of FCPQ activities today. I invite you to mark your calendars and register for the first two events! These activities are in addition to Aidersonenfant.com’s Parcours parents, to which all parents sitting on FCPQ member parent committees will have free access this year.
The school year is off to a flying start!
The Parents’ Committees will hold their first meeting of the year during the month of October. I wish everyone a successful first meeting, whether it’s your first or your tenth!
See you soon,
Mélanie Laviolette
President