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Parents admit needing more time and digital literacy to support their children

In an interview regarding the popular Netflix series “Adolescência,” which addresses the dangers of spreading misogynistic and violent discourse on social media and in closed groups, Mariana Carvalho of the National Confederation of Parent Associations (Confap) emphasizes the importance of increasing literacy.

“It’s not easy to keep up with all these issues involving digital and social media,” Carvalho acknowledges, expressing that only through greater awareness of the proper use of digital tools can individuals “develop the skills needed to identify risks.”

Carvalho dismisses the notion of banning mobile phones in schools, stating that it is “not the right approach,” and argues that not only parents but “the entire educational community should also learn how to use technology.”

“We have organized some webinars for parents, but they are open to the educational community, and it is crucial to also have them within schools for students, teachers, and operational assistants, as everyone needs to know how to use technology effectively,” she explains.

The Confap president believes that the widespread use of social media masks the lack of digital literacy. “Just because people know how to make some comments on social media doesn’t mean they have digital literacy. Sometimes, they can’t even distinguish between a real news story and something fabricated,” she states.

Regarding quality time, Carvalho notes that the intensity of work schedules and commuting leaves families with little quality time, particularly affecting single-parent families.

While acknowledging that remote work “helps a bit,” she insists on the need for reflection: “We need to think about what we want as a community.”

Carvalho argues for the “fundamental and imperative” establishment of support offices for the educational community, with a focus on mental and emotional health.

“As the president of Confap for three years, I have been advocating for this. We need multidisciplinary teams in schools to provide support and prevent issues,” she states, adding, “Not when the damage has already been done. And we know that it’s about to happen.”

Despite stating that the series “Adolescência” does not offer anything new, she concedes it might raise awareness: “It might even provide some information that we, as a society, are failing to convey.”

“At least, it should serve to make us feel that it can happen within our homes, prompting us to develop strategies to ensure our children’s safety,” she adds.

Carvalho observes that parents often “think they know their children, but they don’t,” yet she believes in setting a good example. She asserts that “love and guidance” are the best solutions and that parents should not always be blamed.

“For parents, mothers, and families, it’s important for society to cooperate. The community must jointly find the best strategies,” she concludes.

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