Growing up in the Digital Age - An Evening Conference for Parents

In today’s fast‑moving, constantly connected digital world, it can be hard to understand the impact it has on our children. New trends appear overnight, technology shapes their interactions in ways that aren’t always visible to us, and the risks can feel complex and difficult to keep up with. It’s no surprise that many parents find the whole landscape daunting.

This free evening conference is designed to help parents and guardians feel more confident navigating an ever‑changing digital world. Through a series of engaging, practical sessions led by industry specialists and the expert Hymers College teaching team, you’ll gain clear, usable advice to support children as they grow up online.

We hope you can join us. 

Headline Speaker - online safety expert Alan Mackenzie - Parents’ and Pupils’ use of Social Media 

We are delighted to welcome online safety expert Alan Mackenzie as our headline speaker.

A firm believer that online safety is an enabler, Alan will be delivering an eye-opening talk on social media, how it shapes behaviour and where the risks may lie. His practical advice will help you to understand how both you and your children can enjoy engaging with social media, whilst understanding and mitigating the risk of harm.

Alan will be delivering our headline session twice. The first at 5.10pm, will be aimed at the parents and guardians of younger children of Junior School age and the second at 6.10pm for those with older children of Senior School age. 

Programme

5pm – Welcome and Introduction from Headmaster Mr Stanley

5.10pm – Alan Mackenzie - Parents’ and Pupils’ use of Social Media – Junior School
For parents and guardians with children of Junior School age.

5.10pm – Breakout slots - talks covering key issues - Senior School parents and guardians 
Parents with children of Senior School age children can choose three sessions from the following:

• Raising resilient and vigilant netizens
• Parental controls across gaming devices
• What is AI and should I be worried about it?
• Being young and resilient in a digital world
• The Smartphone Free Childhood Initiative
• Cyber Awareness

Please select your three sessions from the ticket options:

• Breakout slot 1 – 5.10pm
• Breakout slot 2 – 5.30pm
• Breakout slot 3 – 5.50pm

6.10pm – Alan Mackenzie - Parents’ and Pupils’ use of Social Media – Senior School
For parents and guardians with children of Senior School age.

6.10pm – Breakout talks covering key issues – Junior School parents and guardians
Parents with children of Junior School age children can choose three sessions from the following:

• Raising resilient and vigilant netizens
• Parental controls across gaming devices
• What is AI and should I be worried about it?
• Being young and resilient in a digital world
• The Smartphone Free Childhood Initiative
• Cyber Awareness

Please select your three sessions from the ticket options:

• Breakout slot 4 – 6.10pm
• Breakout slot 5 – 6.30pm
• Breakout slot 6 – 6.50pm

7.10pm – Panel discussion with our expert speakers

7.30pm – Close

Booking 

As well as welcoming current Hymers families, tickets are available for families of children joining us this September and families within our wider community with children at other schools, so please invite your friends.

Please note that this event is suitable for adults only. Please book one ticket per adult who will be attending.

*PLEASE NOTE*
When selecting tickets please choose from the 5.10pm Social Media talk for parents and guardians of Junior School age children, or the 6.10pm Social Media talk for parents and guardians of Senior School age children. 

If you opt for the Junior School talk at 5.10pm please select a breakout session from each of the following slots: 

• Breakout slot 4 – 6.10pm
• Breakout slot 5 – 6.30pm
• Breakout slot 6 – 6.50p

If you choose to attend the 6.10pm Senior School talk please select a breakout session from each of the following slots. 

• Breakout slot 1 – 5.10pm
• Breakout slot 2 – 5.30pm
• Breakout slot 3 – 5.50pm