Reimagined Tool Available in English and Spanish Features New Content and Adds Accessibility for Neurodiverse Users
Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of NortonLifeLock, and National PTA, announced enhancements to The Smart Talk, a family-focused online safety tool, to further champion inclusivity and provide families with the resources they need to live their digital lives safely and empower children to become responsible digital citizens.
"We're proud to partner with National PTA to reimagine The Smart Talk and reach even more families with cybersecurity education and training that honors the ways they communicate best," said Kim Allman, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Government Affairs at NortonLifeLock. "We all know technology is a ubiquitous part of life - especially for kids' educational and social development, made so apparent with remote learning during the pandemic - and as our children - and their use of devices grows - we want to empower parents as they navigate those Cyber Safety discussions with their children at every stage."
Young children are increasingly joining and using social media platforms. A recent NortonLifeLock survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that 52% of parents of 5-8-year-olds and 72% of parents of 9-12 year-olds allow their children to have their own social media accounts, despite most networks regulating use to those 13 and older. It has never been more important to help families have open dialogues about online safety and device usage.
Since 2015, Norton and National PTA have collaborated on The Smart Talk. The free, interactive online resource lets families set healthy tech limits together has been reimagined with key updates that champion inclusivity, including:
Updates based on real feedback from focus groups to help ensure the tool works for families from all different backgrounds, beliefs and abilities.
Availability of the tool in Spanish, translated by native Spanish speakers.
Changes to help make the tool more accessible for neurodiverse children.
The relaunched tool also includes content and user experience improvements,including:
Content addressing newer technology and platforms, such as TikTok and other emerging apps.
Tailored content so that kids get different and more age-appropriate questions.
Modules for families to choose specific areas and key topics to focus on.
"Norton and PTA share a commitment to empowering families with the tools and education they need to maintain their digital safety," said Anna King, President of National PTA. "We look forward to helping many more families keep up with technology while staying safe as a result of our new, reimagined 'The Smart Talk,' which has been transformed based on extensive research and feedback to be a more inclusive, engaging and helpful resource."
Save the Dates for our return to In-Person Summer Leadership Training! Don't forget your capes. More information and more dates to become available soon!
We are so excited to announce our 2021 - 2022 NJPTA Membership Incentive Winners. Thank you for all the hard work of each of our PTAs this year and here is to so much success in the 2022 - 2023 Membership Year!
These PTAs were able to reach 100% of their membership goal for the 2021 - 2022 school year--- EARLY! 3 Random winners were selected each month from September to January.
And the winners are...
September 2021
Yardville Heights PTA, Mercer County
Town Center PTA, Mercer County
Liberty Middle School, West Orange Council
October 2021
Spring Lake Heights PTA, Monmouth County
Flocktown-Kossmann PTA, Morris County
Milton Tri-School PTA, Morris County
November 2021
Jefferson Consolidated PTA, Morris County
William A. Miller School PTA, Middlesex County
PS #5 PTA, Hudson County
December 2021
Upper Freehold Regional PTA, Monmouth County
Garwood PTA, Union County
Cherry Hill High School East PTA, Camden County
January 2022
Lebanon Boro PTA, Hunterdon County
Joseph E. Soehl Middle School PTA, Union County
Hardyston PTA, Sussex County
Each of these PTA's is being sent $100 to honor their PTA!
These PTAs were able to achieve 60% of their 2021 - 2022 membership goal and pay for those members by October 31. One PTA from each of our 5 Regions was chosen to win a $50 Shop PTA Gift Card!
These PTAs were able to add and pay for 10 additional members during the month of February 2022 in honor of National PTA's 125th Anniversary of Founder's Day!
This just in! National PTA has launched a brand new online learning community for volunteers. Thrive brings PTA leadership development to you with engaging, short courses. Take training at your own time and place with Thrive. Learn more today!
Register to Participate in 2022 - 2023 Reflections!
Join thousands of PTAs across the nation as they celebrate arts in education in the Reflections program. This year's theme is "Show Your Voice!" All levels of PTA can register for the #PTAReflections program at PTA.org/Reflections. Check out all New Jersey PTA-specific materials at www.njpta.org/reflections.
Enrollment is Open for the 2022 - 2023 National PTA School of Excellence Program
As this school year comes to a close, now is the perfect time to commit to improving family-school partnerships in the fall! We are excited to announce that we have a NEW enrollment process for the National PTA School of Excellence program! Watch this one-minute video for an overview.
The New Jersey PTA Local PTA Resources Hub is your one-stop shop for all NJPTA resources. Check it out today! www.njpta.org/resourceshubShopPTA.com sells official PTA and PTSA logo apparel, membership items, awards, gifts and more. Visit shoppta.com for your PTA needs.
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