Raising the awareness of mothers and heads of households about the importance of educating and guiding adolescents in the responsible use of smartphones and the Internet...
Date: March 22, 2026 Venue: Firozkoh City, Ghor Province Organizer: AYA Women Volunteers Team – Ghor Target Group: Women and Mothers of Families
Introduction:
On March 22, the AYA Women Volunteers Team conducted an awareness-raising session for women in Firozkoh City, the capital of Ghor Province. The purpose of the program was to increase the awareness of mothers and heads of households regarding the importance of educating and guiding adolescents in the responsible use of smartphones and the Internet before granting them access to these technologies.
With the rapid expansion of access to digital technologies and social media platforms, the need for families to understand both the opportunities and risks present in the online environment has become more important than ever. This program was organized to strengthen the role of families in protecting adolescents from the potential dangers and misuse associated with cyberspace.
Program Proceedings:
The session began with welcoming participants and introducing the objectives of the program. Discussions then focused on the impact of modern technologies on the lives of adolescents, highlighting both the benefits and challenges associated with the use of smartphones and the Internet.
The following topics were discussed during the session:
The importance of parental supervision and guidance in adolescents’ use of smartphones. Teaching the principles of safe and responsible Internet use. Raising awareness of potential risks on social media, including sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, and exposure to inappropriate content. The role of families in promoting a healthy culture of technology use. The importance of continuous communication between parents and children regarding online activities. Establishing appropriate time limits for smartphone and Internet use. Encouraging adolescents to use digital technologies for educational and constructive purposes.
Participants were also informed that providing smartphones to adolescents without adequate education and awareness may expose them to various social, psychological, and security-related risks. Therefore, teaching values, responsibilities, and the principles of proper technology use should take place before they are given access to these tools.
Participant Engagement:
During the open discussion session, participating women shared their perspectives, concerns, and experiences regarding their children's use of smartphones and social media. Many participants emphasized the importance of family cooperation in monitoring and guiding adolescents and expressed interest in having more educational programs on this topic.
The interactive nature of the session enabled participants to exchange practical solutions and valuable experiences with one another, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the parental role in safeguarding children in the digital environment.
Results and Achievements:
The program achieved several important outcomes, including:
Increased awareness among women regarding the opportunities and risks associated with Internet and social media use. Strengthened the role of families in educating and monitoring adolescents’ digital activities. Improved participants’ understanding of methods to prevent online exploitation and abuse. Encouraged parents to maintain constructive and ongoing dialogue with their children about technology use. Enhanced family responsibility in creating a safe environment for adolescents’ growth and education. Increased participants’ interest in learning more about digital literacy and online safety.
Conclusion:
The awareness-raising session organized by the AYA Women Volunteers Team – Ghor concluded successfully and was warmly received by the participating women. The outcomes of the program demonstrated that families, especially mothers, play a vital role in guiding and protecting adolescents from online risks. Proper education and guidance before granting access to smartphones and the Internet can help prevent many potential harms.
The AYA Women Volunteers Team remains committed to continuing its efforts through similar educational and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at enhancing family awareness and supporting the healthy and safe development of adolescents within the community.
AYA Women Volunteers Team – Ghor Province