Family Strengthening and Securing Protective Environments for Children? in the Information Age: How to Escape the Perils of 'Business as Usual'

The past two days have been quite enlightening as I engaged with several schools we collaborate with, reinforcing our consultancy as the leading force in the fields of the African Sensitive Systems Approach to Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children?, and the Rights-Based Approach to Parenting. Addressing the significant issues these schools face, I have reached an irresistible conclusion: there are no easy decisions in our field. Every choice we and our clients make involves tough, nuanced considerations.

One thing has become abundantly clear: working with children in the 21st century cannot be business as usual. The complexities of modern child-rearing and education demand more than just native intelligence. We must integrate a sophisticated understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities, leveraging the latest research, technology, and best practices.

Our commitment to family strengthening and creating protective environments for children requires a dynamic, informed approach. As we navigate this landscape, it is essential to stay ahead of emerging trends and continuously adapt our strategies. This is not just about responding to the needs of today but anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

In this rapidly changing world, our role as educators, caregivers, and advocates is more critical than ever. We must ensure that our methodologies are robust, our policies are up-to-date, and our practices are grounded in the latest insights. Only then can we truly support the development and well-being of the children and families we serve.

Yesterday, I had a series of meetings with one of the leading schools in Africa to discuss pressing matters. Today, I joined my colleagues, Mrs. Ayo Ayeni , member and Ms. Victoria Gongote, Associate Faculty Officer at the Taiwo AKINLAMI Academy Faculty to conduct a training session at Oxbridge Tutorial College in Lagos, Nigeria, the first sixth-form school in the country. Reflecting on yesterday's discussions, I emphasized the critical importance of adapting to the knowledge explosion of the 21st century.

As schools, places of worship, or child-focused organizations, we must recognize that the parents we work with now have unlimited access to information. We are in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the Internet of Things has made knowledge readily available at the push of a button. This unprecedented access means that parents are more informed and engaged than ever before, and our approaches must evolve to meet this new reality.

The platforms for disseminating knowledge have also multiplied. When I was growing up, we relied on TV, radio, and print newspapers. Today, the spread of information is limitless, making it impossible to "kill the news" as was once possible. Everyone has the power to share information globally through various platforms. This democratization of information dissemination brings challenges, as it fosters a false sense of knowing.

In this information-rich era, there are four levels of ignorance to consider:

1. Not knowing something and being aware of it.

2. Not knowing something one should know but being open to learning.

3. Not knowing something one should know and being unaware of the gap.

4. Believing one knows something when one actually does not, due to the abundance of available information.

This last level is particularly dangerous because it leads to complacency and a reluctance to learn.

Given this reality, child-focused organizations must elevate their standards to align with the Systems Approach to Family Strengthening and Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children?. We are dealing with individuals who believe they know everything, and the world has changed dramatically. As secondary caregivers and educators, we must adapt. Schools, in particular, face unprecedented challenges from parents who are quick to sue over various issues, believing they know best.

I advised leaders of child-focused organizations that our Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children? system must be constantly updated and improved. We cannot rely on outdated methods, especially in areas like discipline and child custody. We must ensure that our policies and procedures are current and legally compliant.

During my training, I emphasized that while the school's current systems may not have faced challenges yet, it is crucial to proactively address potential issues. Challenges from friends are far less costly than those from litigators or dissatisfied parents.

In conclusion, the proliferation of knowledge and information dissemination platforms necessitates that schools, places of worship, and families up their game. We must ensure that our systems, policies, and practices are robust and up-to-date to avoid embarrassment and ensure the safety of the children in our care. This proactive approach is essential in navigating the complexities of the modern information age.