Need to know? Then Ask Gran, Not Google

So many children these days turn immediately to their mobile phone or laptop to source the answer to pretty much anything – but one Australian aged care provider reckons it’s high time the tide turned.

Feros Care wants youngsters to Ask Gran Not Google, so that they not only get the answers, but the anecdotes and personal stories that help make an event or subject memorable.

The campaign is the brainchild of Feros Care’s Shelly Fletcher, whose family banned technology in favour of going to another trusted source – grandparents.

Shelley and her cousins did a family experiment where all questions were directed at Nana and Pop before searching online.

“When all your information comes from online, you miss out on anecdotal information, funny stories and heartfelt and wise advice that seniors can share with younger generations,” said Feros Care chief executive Jennene Buckley.

“You only have to look at our Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities who truly understand the status and value of their elders within their community.

“This campaign acknowledges how much younger generations can benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of our older generations.”

The program was trialled in Queensland during August 2017 and so far more than 150 schools across Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania have registered for Ask Gran Not Google.

All schools are welcome to participate.

“It’s incredible how much this program has opened up the hearts and minds of all involved and reminded us of the valuable role seniors play, both within our families and our community,” Ms Buckley said.

“Seniors can teach children positive attitudes towards ageing and help them develop skills to enhance lifelong learning in ways the internet is unable to.”

Officially launching the program to coincide with Grandparents Day on October 28, Minister for Senior Australians Ken Wyatt described it as “a touching reminder to young people and the wider community that the internet is far from the only source of valuable information in today’s world”.

“It combines old-fashioned and high-tech methods to link young and old,” he said.

Feros Care aims to have Ask Gran Not Google reach 91,000 students across more than 950 schools over the next three years.

For more about the program and how schools can participate, click HERE or email askgran@feroscare.com.au