As digital technologies reshape family life, local governments are stepping forward with innovative programs that help parents build confidence, strengthen digital literacy, and support safer, healthier online experiences for children and young people.

The digital generation gap has created unprecedented anxiety for parents who feel overwhelmed and powerless when trying to guide their children's online experiences. From social media and online gaming to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, many families face growing challenges in understanding online risks, fostering healthy digital habits, and maintaining open conversations about technology. While children often adapt quickly to new digital environments, parents can feel uncertain about how best to guide and support them. In response, cities are developing practical and inclusive initiatives that position families at the center of digital empowerment.

To understand how cities are cooperating with citizens to face these challenges, we invite you to Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CC4DR) webinar "Empowering Digital Families: How Cities Bridge the Parent-Child Technology Gap"! The webinar is open to all.

This practical session addresses this widespread parental anxiety and powerlessness many adults feel when navigating their children's digital lives. Coalition cities will showcase successful programs that equip parents with both technical knowledge and confidence to guide their families' digital experiences, from understanding social media platforms to recognizing online risks and fostering healthy digital habits. Hosted by the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, the session explores how local governments can serve as trusted partners in bridging the parent-child technology gap, sharing successful approaches that strengthen digital literacy, build community support networks, and help create more confident, informed, and resilient digital families.

Date: 23^rd June 2026 at 5:00 PM CEST

Where: Teams Meeting (Meeting code: 8LK27CZ7)

Speakers

• Hector Dominguez, Open Data and Privacy Coordinator, City of Portland, Oregon
• Alton Grizzle, Programme Specialist in Communication and Information – Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies, UNESCO
• Ab Velasco, Toronto Public Library manager

Moderator : Sophie Woodville, Bordeaux Métropole, member of the CC4DR

The session will explore innovative municipal approaches including family digital literacy workshops, parent-child coding classes, community forums for digital parenting challenges, and support networks for families dealing with cyberbullying or screen addiction. Participants will learn how cities can serve as trusted intermediaries between families and the complex digital landscape, providing ongoing support rather than one-time training, and creating community resources that acknowledge parents as partners rather than obstacles in children's digital development.

Participants will explore replicable program models that acknowledge diverse family structures and cultural approaches to technology while building confident, informed digital families.

This session was set to take place during RightsCon, in late May 2026. Following the cancellation of the event, the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights is proud to keep the conversation alive by hosting it as an online webinar. We stand in solidarity with the RightsCon community and remain committed to the shared values that bring us together.