Novato considers youth online safety course

Novato officials are considering whether to offer youths a course on internet safety.

Councilmember Tim O’Connor proposed the idea at the council’s meeting on Oct. 8. The council unanimously voted to have staff research the potential cost and scope of the plan.

O’Connor said the intention of the program is to educate children about online risks such as sexual predation, bullying and unsafe social media use. He said he hopes children could be get tools to share experiences and learn responsible approaches to online interaction.

“I believe this initiative is crucial, given the alarming statistics surrounding youth exposure to online threats,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said it could begin as a two-year pilot program targeted to youths aged 10 to 13 years old and offer a certificate of completion.

“A lot of the risk can be somewhat mitigated through education and efforts such as this,” O’Connor said.

City Manager Amy Cunningham said the city is limited by budgetary and resource constraints in the development of a potential plan. She said the city would seek to involve the Novato Unified School District.

“We have had some initial discussions about what resources we have and how we will be able to provide this,” Cunningham said.

Novato is on track for a $3.3 million general fund deficit in the 2025-26 fiscal year. In following years, the projected deficit is $3.4 million, $3.4 million, $3.7 million and $3.5 million.

O’Connor said there is not a well-established model to educate youth about online risks. He said offerings through the state or private nonprofit courses are typically funneled through public safety organizations such as police departments.

He expressed hope that the efficacy and viability of such a program would involve an evaluation by the police department. Schools also take on an important education role, he added, but he hopes the plan could augment their efforts.

“There’s an opportunity for us to support that work,” O’Connor.

Councilmember Pat Eklund said cost savings could be found in giving the school district license to develop the program or to find a course available through the League of California Cities.

Councilmember Susan Wernick recommended that the program potentially involve a fee and be run through the Parks and Recreation Department.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said.