Digital literacy – At what age should you become a digital citizen?

A strong knowledge of digital literacy nurtures a positive digital citizen. Digital citizenship is one’s ability to navigate digital environments in a way that’s safe and responsible, respectfully engaging with others in this space. We can all agree, we live in a digital world, one that is only advancing with time. At what age, do we start understanding the digital space?  

Today, the first thing a baby sees is a phone. Why should they not trust this device, as they grow and develop? It’s at dinner with us, in mom’s hand, Dad looks at it all day long plus it entertains me when I need to keep still. It’s only natural that a child would instinctively trust technology and be comfortable using it. “Technology plays a huge role in our daily lives, and it’s our responsibility as parents and educators to ensure that they understand how to interact with technology and more importantly, how to protect themselves when they are using it. This is where Digital literacy comes into play.” Cheryl Barnett, Social Kids Founder.   

When we teach our children how to read, we give them the keys to knowledge. Learning to communicate is the first step to their independence and they start to shape into the people they are meant to be.  We believe that digital literacy should be prioritised along with phonics and the ABCs.  If a child can understand audible instructions or read, they are vulnerable online. They are at the age, where they can be easily manipulated and tricked. Developing positive behaviours from a young age is essential to shaping their digital citizenship and fingerprint. 

The behaviours to instil will include:

• To speak and share their experiences. This means moms and Dads have to listen and not overreact, where possible, should something go wrong
• An apprehensive sense of caution when engaging online 
• A sense of confidence that they are protected and armed with the knowledge of what to do when they’re in an awkward situation 
• The ability to critically look at information and decide on its authenticity (Does this feel look safe and trustworthy)  
• A natural reaction to balancing screen time and physical activities
• The ability to engage both face-to-face and digitally 
• Understanding privacy and reputation and what it means to them   

As with most things, there are disadvantages to the digital world and finding the right balance is the key to a well-rounded individual. 

The disadvantages of technology: 

• It can take over your life 
  Without setting serious boundaries, a young mind can get lost in the digital world and quickly forget how to engage in real-life situations 
• Mental and Physical Health risks 
  Prolonged use of digital media, without the correct balance, can have long-lasting effects on one’s self-esteem and set unrealistic expectations on how to behave and what’s wrong or right. Using technology with no breaks or without sharing can affect you physically with eyestrain and Carpal tunnel syndrome. Yes, this is happening at a younger age than ever before 
• A break in family communication 
  The fear of technology being taken away can be so great, that your children will decide not to share awkward moments with you when they learn or play online. Improved digital literacy can help you start the conversation from a young age, instilling trust and encouraging communication
• Predators and Scammers will not stop 
  There is good and bad in this world and the bad, are relentless in their quest to find unsuspecting victims. Using technology, they can lure children into their web, and they can drastically alter their path in life 
• You can’t unsee things! 
  Graphic imagery of pornography, death and hatred cannot be unseen, they can stay with a child for a long time and when seen out of context it may change the way they interpret the world.
• Algorithms don’t see age 
  If your child searches for the wrong thing, it can feel impossible to escape 

As digital technology increasingly influences every area of our daily lives, a foundation in digital literacy can give knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow children to be both safe and empowered in an increasingly digital world. Codey Crawler and his friends help you start the conversation.  Give your child the confidence to talk, say no, report and block. 

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