TIRANA, Sept 25 /ATA/ The National Cybersecurity Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, organised the training ‘Parenting in the Digital Age: What lies behind your child’s screen?’, with more than 1,000 parents taking part in hybrid format. The session aimed to help parents better understand online dangers and support children in the safe use of technology.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu underlined that technology should be used by children to learn, create and communicate, while safeguarding their safety and wellbeing. She stressed that the shared responsibility is to prepare children for the future and to equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to protect them.
Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu said technology should serve children as a window to knowledge, creativity and communication, opening up new horizons rather than becoming a threat to their safety, wellbeing and childhood. She stressed that the aim is not to keep children away from the future, but to prepare them for it, ensuring that in every space where they grow, learn and develop, they are safe, protected and given equal opportunities to build their future.
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro emphasised the importance of partnership between schools and families and the active involvement of parents in their children’s education. She drew attention to the ‘After School’ programme and the ‘Parent’s Bag’ initiative as key measures to strengthen parental engagement.
Bledar Kazia, Director General of the National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK), stressed that safeguarding children online starts with a relationship of trust with parents, where supervision is combined with guidance and children feel free to share their concerns. He underlined the importance of early education in digital safety, through the inclusion of cybersecurity in first, sixth and tenth grade curricula in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, as well as the continuation of training for parents, teachers and pupils.
Representatives of the State Police and the State Agency for the Rights and Protection of Children also took part in the event. During the training, hands‑on guidance was provided on recognising online risks, responding to inappropriate content and contacts, and communicating with children about the concerns they encounter while navigating on the internet.
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