Parents can arm themselves with knowledge with "Raising Children in the Digital World," an evening seminar hosted by Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary and Middle Schools' (WMEMS) Bedson Campus. 

David Stoesz, Principal at WMEMS' Bedson Campus at 250 Bedson Street said, "It's good information for educators and parents alike. There are so many changes that are going on and they are so rapid that it's hard for any of us to stay on top of what's going on with online experiences for our kids."

Stoesz said that parents have a lot of questions about the effects on our children as well as safety and that there doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there.

The uniqueness of the upcoming seminar is that school psychologist Sarah Juchnowski as well as Constable Orlando Buduhan; Community Relations Officer with the Winnipeg Police Service will be making a presentation together to give a law perspective as well as a learning perspective.

Stoesz said that sometimes parents feel that they don't have the control of the media where their kids are concerned.

He said that Juchnowski will be sharing what effect this has on kids. "There's just so many effects that some of these things have on kids from withdrawing them from personal relationships to  affecting their sleep patterns so that psychological health, the emotional health, their physical health all these things come into play." He added that there is a safety aspect as well when going online.

The seminar will offer encouragement and suggestions to parents in how to deal with how children use online devices, how it impacts them, as well as how to encourage kids to find other ways to interact and engage with others and do other things.

Stoesz is hoping for a really good turnout and parents can have their questions answered at the Q and A session at the end of the seminar. Raising Children in the Digital World is being held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at 7 p.m.