A new program gives parents the tools they need to keep their children safe online and help them grow into responsible digital citizens. Hashtag Parenting includes an informational website, hashtagparentingtips.com, webinars, and live presentations for schools and organizations.
Launched by social media expert Suzanne Kosmerl and Cheryl Kosmerl, a clinical therapist specializing in working with children. Hashtag Parenting is inspired by Suzanne’s experiences raising her children in the increasingly complex age of the smartphone. “As soon as my son got a smartphone, I realized he needed lots of guidance,” she said. “The experience motivated me to create the trusted source I needed as a mom but could not find in the marketplace.”
Suzanne spent months researching monitoring tools for parents, as well as apps that are marketed to children. She dove into how devices work and quickly realized she had much to learn beyond what she already knew as a seasoned social media professional. “I set out to help moms and dads make their lives easier and keep their kids safe,” she said. “The information is overwhelming, and busy parents need unbiased guidance as they determine the best route for their family.”
Hashtag Parenting also covers sexting avoidance, with expertise provided by Cheryl Kosmerl, MSW, LCSW. Cheryl has worked with children for more than 20 years. In 2013, at the request of the Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, she created a sexting-specific curriculum called Sexting Solutions®. Based on research and best practices, the program is the first of its kind in the state of Colorado. Of the more than 250 students who have participated in the program, fewer than two percent have come to the attention of the DA’s office for recommitting a sexting offense.
“Through my experience working with kids, I have observed trends associated with sexting behaviors, including not understanding the elements of consent, healthy relationships and recognizing the long-term effects of their behavior,” Cheryl said. “I’m excited to share this knowledge through Hashtag Parenting to assist parents and caregivers in protecting their kids from the long-term social, emotional and legal consequences of sexting.”
For $10 a month, subscribers to the website can visit a single location to learn about apps, devices, social media platforms, sexting avoidance techniques, and more. Information is always up-to-date. Tutorials complete with screenshots help parents figure out how to lock down devices and control which apps their kids download and where their kids go online.
Hashtag Parenting is available to schools and organizations for live presentations aimed at parents and caregivers on safe social media use, sexting guidance, and avoidance, and app and device management.
About Hashtag Parenting
Hashtag Parenting makes it easier for parents to keep their kids safe online by providing an informational website, one-on-one consultations, webinars, and live presentations for schools, businesses, and organizations. For more information, visit www.hashtagparentingtips.com.
Hashtag Parenting connects with parents on:
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hashtagparentingtips
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/hashtagparentingtips
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hashtag_parenting
Twitter: twitter.com/HashtagParent1
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/hashtag-parenting
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For information and interviews, contact Suzanne Kosmerl at 404-583-0552 or suzanne.