PRACTICAL GUIDE
Digital skills for parents and grandparents
Four practical workshops covering phones, communication and account security.
A manageable pilot
We propose four 90-minute sessions for 6–8 adults, with a trainer and an assistant, hosted by a library or community centre. This is a workshop model, not an announcement of scheduled courses or open registration.
Preparation
Ask what participants want to do independently, which phones they use and whether they need larger text. Provide seating, power sockets, Wi-Fi and large-print handouts. Participants control their own phones and may skip any exercise. Use fictional accounts for demonstrations.
Session 1 — understand your phone
Practise text size, volume, Wi-Fi and settings. Each participant changes text size, returns to the home screen and finds a contact, recording their own steps.
Session 2 — communication and information
Practise messages, photographs and video calls. Send a non-sensitive photo to a consenting classmate. Compare two search results and identify the institution, website address and information date.
Session 3 — account protection
Discuss distinct passwords, email account protection, two-step verification and software updates. NCSC recommends these measures and backups. Explain options without asking participants for passwords or authentication codes.
Session 4 — suspicious messages
Use three fictional examples: an urgent parcel fee, a request for money and an unexpected prize. Identify pressure and unusual requests, then practise checking through a separate, known channel. Use no dangerous links or real payments.
Each session
10 minutes reviewing; 15 demonstrating; 45 practising at individual pace; a 10-minute break; and 10 minutes checking understanding. Participants retain control of their devices.
Illustrative resources and budget
Assuming donated space and staff time: printing RON 60, supplies RON 40, transport RON 100 and contingency RON 50: RON 250 for the pilot. These are assumptions, excluding phones, new internet service and trainer fees.
Check progress
At the start and finish, try the same three tasks: find a setting, send a message and identify a suspicious message. Record only “independently”, “with help” or “not yet”. Compare progress without rankings and ask what needs more practice.