Two local businesses were recognized by the Public School Boards' Association of Alberta for leaving a lasting impact on thousands of Red Deer Public students.
Jo(e) Social Media received the Special Contribution to Public Education: Media Award, and 360 Fitness received the Special Contribution to Public Education Award at a banquet last weekend.
Jo(e) Social Media is educating thousands of students and their families in regards to digital citizenship and social media as they encourage an open dialogue between parents and their children.
Fact is, there are many opportunities for kids to be using social media in positive ways and good habits can generate a great digital history. Joe Whitbread and Jo Phillips, Co-Founders of Jo(e) Social Media help quell suspicions, steer positive conversation and get kids and adults on the same page to start using social media safely, positively and with a powerful voice. It's imperative that kids start writing their positive digital history, and that parents become aware of their impact on their kids' history.
Whitbread and Phillips have made it a priority to talk to as many youth in Central Alberta as possible regarding the highs and lows of social media. Since 2015, they have been offering a number of school presentations to school districts across the province from Fort McMurray to Southern Alberta, free of charge, allowing them to speak with over 22,000 students.
Red Deer Public has been the beneficiary of these presentations which have included:
- Digital Citizenship and Social Safety (Grades 5-8)
- Digital Citizenship and Mental Health (Grades 9-12)
- Personal Branding (Grades 9-12)
- Social Media For Parents
The impact of these presentations is far reaching. Both Whitbread and Phillips say, in every school they speak at, regardless of grade, the feedback is the same: The teachers are amazed they held the kids attention, and had the kids interacting with them. They all express gratitude for the message, but also let them know they provided some much needed perspective and understanding to them. The kids feel heard. In high school, the students leave understanding the gravity of some of their actions, and the potential impact it has on their lives. And in every single presentation - regardless of grade - they have a child approach them and report something that makes them or a friend unsafe. In every presentation, they have a child approach them with excitement over something cool they're doing with their social media.
