The best way to communicate with your children is to be able to speak the same language. This applies directly to computers and the web. While its not necessary to spend as much time texting, surfing and chatting as your children, it is not a bad idea to have some familiarity with the world and language of computers.
Some parents haven't touched a computer in years and some may use a particular software program daily in their line of business. Neither of these necessarily translate into the manner of social of computing children do on a daily basis. This doesn't mean that all hope is lost. There are many resources for parents and children alike when it comes to educating yourself on the World Wide Web and computers in general. So, you can either dive in and hope you learn to swim on your own or avail yourself of some of the great resources available in Memphis at low, or no, cost.
There are many local organizations that offer free classes for people wishing to increase their computer literacy. Showing an interest and being familiar with some of the jargon may go a long way toward bridging the generational gap necessary in order to keep children safe online. Below are the internet links, addresses, and phone numbers for classes sponsored by the YWCA and the Memphis Public Library system. Theses are only two of the many resources available in the area.
YWCA - computer literacy
YWCA Training and Development Center
1044 Mississippi, Memphis, TN.
(901) 948-0493
Memphis Public Library - computer classes
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library 415-2722
Bartlett 386-8968
Cordova 754-8443
Cornelia Crenshaw 525-1643
Cossitt 526-1712
Gaston Park 942-0836
Highland 452-7341
Parkway Village 363-8923
Raleigh 386-5333
South 946-8518
Whitehaven 396-9700
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