Title: Award in Protecting children from online harm: A course for parents, guardians and caregivers

MQF/EQF: 3
ECTS: 1

Mode of Delivery: Face-to-face lectures, workshops, case studies, cooperative work, role-play, and resources.

Programme Duration: 1 month

Languages of Instruction: Maltese and English

Accreditation Category: Further education course/programme

Course

Total Contact Hours: 5

Self-Study Hours: 10

Assessment Hours: 10

Total Learning Hours: 25

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes Learning outcomes for the overall programme

a)         Demonstrate a clear understanding of the risks associated with children’s online use and behaviours.

b)         Identify the different types of online harms and how they manifest across different age groups and genders.

c)         Choose safe digital practices by applying practical tools and strategies to protect children online.

d)         Review how to create a supportive and open digital environment that encourages healthy online habits.

e)         Reflect on a personalised action plan to address online safety in their own families.

 

 

Competences At the end of the module/ unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a)         Use their initiative to explore digital tools and resources to protect children online.

b)         Reflect on ways how to collaborate with their children to create a safe and respectful online space.

c)         Identify parenting techniques that help guide their children to develop safe digital habits and make responsible choices online.

d)         Review their children’s digital activities without infringing on their privacy, promoting trust and independence.

Knowledge  

At the end of the module/ unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a)         Determine the different types of online risks and how they can affect children.

b)         Assess the level of digital safety in their own homes.

c)         Interpret facts about online safety, recognising potential harms and how to address them.

d)         Identify tools and strategies to protect children from online dangers.

Skills

·       Module-specific learner skills

·       Module-specific digital skills & competencies

 

At the end of the module/ unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a)         Develop effective communication techniques to engage children in open, non-judgemental discussions about their online activities and experiences.

b)         Recognise active listening techniques when children would need to express concerns about their digital interactions or online risks.

c)         Structure clear and simple guidelines for online safety that children can easily understand and follow.

d)         Display ways of how to solve basic problems related to online safety by offering practical solutions to children when they encounter online challenges.

e)         Plan and organise regular check-ins with children to maintain an ongoing conversation about their online activities, fostering a proactive approach to digital safety.

 

Module-specific learner skills

At the end of the module/ unit the learner will be able to:

a)         Apply practical steps to protect children from harmful online content.

b)         Identify basic problems related to online safety by providing appropriate responses to children’s online concerns.

c)         Choose clear digital safety guidelines for children to follow.

d)         Develop an action plan to create a safe online environment at home.

 

Module-specific digital skills and competences

At the end of the module/ unit, the learner will be able to:

a)         Apply digital tools and parental control software to monitor and manage children’s online activities, ensuring a safe browsing environment.

b)         Identify privacy settings on social media platforms and devices to protect children’s personal information from exposure to potential online risks.

c)         Create and implement digital boundaries, such as screen time limits and content filtering, to promotion of healthy and responsible online habits in children.

The students must have a school leaving certificate or five years of experience with children.Target group: parents, guardians, grandparents, and caregivers

Grading System

Pass mark: 45

Grading system as per below:

Mark Range Grade
90%-100% A+
80%-89% A
75%-79% B+
70%-74% B
60%-69% C+
55%-59% C
50%-54% D+
45%-49% D
0%-44% F

Reading List

Core Reading List

  1. van der Hof, Simone., Bibi. van den Berg, and Bart. Schermer, eds. Minding Minors Wandering the Web: Regulating Online Child Safety. 1st ed. 2014. The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press, 2014.
  2. Phippen, Andy. Children’s Online Behaviour and Safety : Policy and Rights Challenges. 1st ed. 2017. London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2017.
  3. Jang, Yujin, and Bomin Ko. “Online Safety for Children and Youth under the 4Cs Framework—A Focus on Digital Policies in Australia, Canada, and the UK.” Children (Basel) 10.8 (2023): 1415-.

Supplementary Reading List

  1. Willard, Nancy. Cyber Savvy : Embracing Digital Safety and Civility. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin, 2012.
  2. Findings from the PoP Up Project – report to be supplied by MFWS

 

Registration and Fees

For registration or further information, please send an email on: info@mfws.gov.mt

Next intake dates: TBC (To be Confirmed)

Course Fees: TBC (To be Confirmed)

About the Awarding Body

The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society became a licensed higher education training institute in June 2024.

Licence Type: Further and Higher Education Institution

Licence Number: 2024-021

Location
Maison Notre Dame, St Calcedonius Square, Floriana, FRN 1530
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvCas7WaNQbwBny37