Parenting in the Digital Age: Nicolas Carlisle Leads Three-Day Workshop Series at IC

As part of its ongoing commitment to student well-being and a safe, nurturing learning environment, International College recently hosted a three-day workshop series led by Nicholas Carlisle, CEO of Power of Zero. The sessions, held on both the Ain Aar and Ras Beirut campuses, as well as a dedicated in-service training for all faculty and staff, explored what it means to parent and educate in the digital age.

Over the course of the three days, Carlisle engaged parents, faculty, and staff in an honest and practical conversation about children’s lives online, the challenges they face, and the role adults play in guiding them. He introduced Power of Zero’s C-A-R-E Framework, a practical approach that helps adults support children’s healthy development and resilience in a world where screens, social media, and online interactions are part of everyday life.

“Every parent today is trying to figure out how to be a digital parent and guide their child through an extraordinary time of change,” said Nicolas Carlisle. “I encourage every parent to C-A-R-E: C for setting Controls on children’s devices, A for Agreeing clear tech rules and time limits, R for Respect, teaching children to treat others kindly online, and E for Example, because the most powerful lesson we give our children is how we use technology ourselves.”

The workshops tackled key topics such as online safety, cyber violence, and the impact of digital behavior on children’s emotional and social well-being. Carlisle highlighted how small, consistent actions from adults can make a real difference in preventing bullying and fostering positive, respectful interactions.
For IC faculty and staff, the in-service day provided tools to reinforce the school’s anti-bullying mission in classrooms, hallways, and online spaces. Educators explored ways to recognize early signs of digital conflict, respond constructively, and partner with parents to ensure consistent support for students.
For parents, the Ain Aar and Ras Beirut sessions offered concrete strategies for setting boundaries, opening conversations about online experiences, and modeling empathy and responsibility. Carlisle underlined the importance of staying connected to children’s digital lives not through surveillance, but through trust, presence, and ongoing dialogue.

These workshops form a vital part of IC’s community-wide effort to strengthen respect and kindness in every part of school life. IC continues to build a culture where every student feels supported, and protected both offline and online.