Parents and educators of teenagers are invited to a new digital mental health workshop happening on Thursday 30 October, aimed at supporting young people in today’s online world.
Mirror XR | Connecting Educators, Parents and Teenagers in This Gaming Era is a collaboration between the City of Onkaparinga’s Youth team and Creart Digital Media, and it will be held at Aldinga Payinthi College from 5–7pm.
The event – held during Mental Health Awareness Month – aims to bridge the gap between generations; and connect educators, parents and teenagers in the digital, gaming and virtual reality era.
It brings together a panel of experts who specialise in immersive technology, digital education, interactive storytelling and digital mental health.
The first 50 registrations from people within the City of Onkaparinga will receive free tickets using the access code ONKAMXR1025! Tickets after that will cost $38.67.
The innovative, research-driven 2-hour workshop recognises that today’s teenagers – digital natives – live in a world that’s radically different from the one most educators and parents grew up in, and that the role of parenting and teaching today needs to extend into the digital space.
It’s a world where friendships can be built in online games, identities are explored in virtual worlds, and challenges are faced both on and off screen.
Research, however, shows many adults still struggle to relate, with more than 66 per cent of Australian teachers finding the “Digital Technologies” curriculum difficult to teach, and 60 per cent of parents not recognising their child’s mental health struggles when they arise.
Head to the event webpage on Humanitix to learn more about the event and its expert panellists, and to secure your ticket.
The City of Onkaparinga Youth team’s collaboration highlights its commitment to community learning, digital literacy and mental health awareness; equipping parents, teachers and young people with practical tools to stay informed and supported online.