Digital Citizenship for Kids

No matter how much we hate it or like it, technology is part of our daily lives. From simply searching something on Google to posting on social media, the internet has virtually given us access to almost everything. However, that does not mean that the internet should be a place without rules. Teaching our kids about digital citizenship, defined as “the norms of appropriate and responsible technology use”, is very important because almost 90% of kids in the US have an access to a smartphone; and 99% use the internet. Here are some digital do’s and don’ts to tell your kids:

Don’t

• Say something online you would not say in person. Many people who do this are called “keyboard warriors.” Many claim they can bench press 500 lbs or can act better than Leonardo DiCaprio, but in reality they are lying most of the time. Overall, they feel like they can get away with saying those things since they feel the internet is not real life. Try to tell your kids not to be one of those people.
• Post something that you may regret later on. Many times, teenagers want to stay up- to-date on social media. They want to post cool pictures of themselves, but it may hurt them in the long run. A teenager simply posting a picture of themselves drinking a beer can have disastrous results, as 12% of college applicants are rejected because of what colleges see on their social media accounts.
• Share information about other people without their permission. This can get you into legal trouble as well. Something like using someone else’s song on YouTube without the copyright can cause many issues. Also, sharing someone else’s posts and pictures can potentially be harmful to them if they do not want them posted online. Doing this may even be considered cyberbullying when images are used negatively.

Do

• Be very aware about cyber bullies and online predators. The presence of these negative entities is vastly increasing. There are almost 500,000 online predators online everyday, and almost half of teens have been cyberbullied in some way, shape, or form. Almost 88% of teens have admitted to being mean or cruel to each other on the internet, and this behavior is not advantageous for good digital behavior. Also tell them to report cyber bullies and online predators if they are able to.
• Try to act like a good human being. This one may sound very simple, but it is harder than expected. Good digital etiquette requires us to show respect to other opinions, be positive when there are negatives, and be polite amidst disrespect. Follow the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and try to help others when they need it.
• Keep your information safe. 33% of teenagers are friends with someone they have never met in real life on Facebook. Even though these Facebook friends may seem or actually be friendly, they do not know the person. Only give personal information to someone who you know and trust, and do not share information about other people that they would not want out. Also, telling your kids to keep their social media accounts on private can prevent them from being exposed to cyber bullies or online predators.

As a parent, keeping track of your kid’s digital lives may be in your best interest. It may even prevent them from not getting into a college just because of something they posted on Instagram There is a fine balance between monitoring and privacy, and you will have to work with your kids on how to find that specific point.