THE Department of Education, SkillsYouth and Information, in collaboration with the National Commission for Parental Support (NPSC), will launch National Parents Month 2024 on Friday, under the theme “Surf beyond the
Surface’.

The theme aims to empower parents and guardians to responsibly adopt and use new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in their parenting practices.

NPSC chief executive Kaysia Kerr said as AI becomes an increasingly integral part of people’s daily engagements, the commission recognizes that many parents are concerned about its implications.

“We recognize that while concerns about AI are valid, the technology presents unique opportunities to enhance parenting and support children’s learning. This year’s Parents’ Month aims to create a space for learning, therefore (responding) to apprehensions, some of which prevent parents from encouraging positive and ethical use of technology,” she stressed.

Kerr added that the theme will be reinforced by the three pillars. They are “Click: Follow It”, “Connect: Follow It”, and “Collaborate: Grow With It”.

Under the Click: Get with It pillar, parents are encouraged to start learning about AI tools through online resources and search engines.

The Connect: Go with It pillar focuses on new AI tools emerging daily that can improve communication between parents and children, which adults are encouraged to adopt to enrich the parenting experience.

Collaborate: Grow with It highlights the importance of lifelong knowledge acquisition for effective parenting.

Parents are encouraged to participate in AI sessions hosted by NPSC, schools and community partners.

Collaboration with schools ensures that sessions are tailored to parents’ specific needs and interests.

To further engage parents, the NPSC will host two national public events in collaboration with “Talk Up Yout.”

They will take place in Montego Bay, St James, on November 26 and in Kingston, on November 27.

Kerr said these events will feature dynamic speakers and informative AI demonstrations, providing attendees with cutting-edge information on using technology for effective parenting.