Presented by FKCE
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Technology is woven into nearly every aspect of childhood today: From the moment babies are drawn to the glow of a screen, to the hours teens spend scrolling, gaming, and connecting online. For caregivers, keeping up can feel overwhelming, but staying informed isn't just helpful, it's essential.
This timely and practical training is designed to meet you where you are and equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape alongside the children and youth in your care. Whether you're managing screen time for a toddler or monitoring social media use for a teenager, this training has something for every caregiver.
Understand the risk and dangers: Explore what research tells us about how excessive screen exposure impacts babies and toddlers during critical developmental windows, how social media creates unique dangers for older children, and what the current data reveals about online human trafficking, including why children and youth in foster and resource care may face heightened vulnerability to targeting and exploitation online.
Set effective limits with technology for children and teens: Rules without relationship rarely work. Discover practical, age-appropriate strategies for setting meaningful boundaries around technology use that promote trust, accountability, and healthy digital habits .
Recognize the benefits of technology for teens: Technology isn't all risk. For teenagers, it can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity, connection, and self-expression. Learn how to teens can utilize their tech skills and encourage positive and purposeful technology use that helps them thrive in a digital world.
Access resources, tips, and guidance for special caregiving circumstances: Foster and resource parents face unique considerations when it comes to technology — from court orders and privacy concerns, to managing contact with birth family online. Learn about the rights of cell phone use and leave with a toolkit of practical resources and tailored strategies designed specifically for caregivers navigating these added layers.
In a world that isn't slowing down, the best thing we can do for the children in our care is show up prepared, informed, and ready to engage.
Your Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage is a Parent Coach Consultant with Parenting Matters & an Early Childhood Specialist. She holds a Doctorate in Elementary Education, and with that, has brought educational trainings to foster and adoptive parents for over 30 years!

CE Hours: 2.5