{"id":178821,"date":"2023-12-15T07:15:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T15:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=178821"},"modified":"2024-04-10T15:59:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T22:59:13","slug":"how-to-raise-responsible-digital-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/family-safety\/how-to-raise-responsible-digital-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Raise Responsible Digital Citizens"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018So, what is the ultimate goal of all of our parenting?\u2019 When I asked this question to a group of mum friends during the week, the answers were all quite mixed. \u2018To raise kind humans\u2019, one offered. ‘To have someone look after me when I\u2019m old!’, said another. But after a few minutes of heavy debate, we all agreed on one thing \u2013 our goal is to create responsible citizens who are independent and self-sufficient. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, clearly, this is a project that takes place over at least 18 years!! Quick fixes do not cut it when trying to mould and shape little humans into responsible adults. And of course, this also includes raising responsible digital citizens too \u2013 no room for quick fixes here!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Digital Citizenship?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve all heard the term but what does it really mean?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Digital citizenship is all about safely and responsibly navigating digital environments and participating in a respectful fashion. In short, it means being responsible, respectful, and intentional in all your online activity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In my opinion, a child\u2019s emotional intelligence is intrinsically linked to their ability to be an effective digital citizen. So, I understand why some experts prefer the term digital intelligence to digital citizenship. It does a much better job of explaining that effective digital citizenship requires a <\/span>set of social, emotional, and cognitive skills that are essential for navigating the digital world.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In my opinion, teaching kids about digital citizenship needs to happen as soon as a child can pick up a device. Yes \u2013 your child might only be 18 months old! But the earlier you start weaving in messages about responsibility and safety \u2013 the more automatic it will be for them to adopt a positive digital citizen mindset.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising Digital Citizens Means Raising Safe Citizens<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find many parents who don\u2019t worry about the risks of their kids being online. Whether it’s scams, online predators, or cyberbullying, unfortunately, there will always be some level of risk. And while many of us would love to remove our kids\u2019 devices or better still, wrap our babies in cotton wool, this is just not a reality. So, in my opinion, the best way to protect them is to prepare them. I believe that if we take the time to help them develop into responsible and effective digital citizens then they are far more likely to make safe and responsible choices! A complete no-brainer!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What You Need To Teach Your Kids To Be Effective Digital Citizens<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Your Online Identity Is A Key Part of Your Identity<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is one lesson you don\u2019t want your kids to learn the hard way! When tweens and teens are in the moment, it is easy to forget to think of the consequences of what they post. But one\u2019s online presence is a significant part of their identity and can often be the first place that someone forms an impression of you. The manager of our local supermarket regularly tells me how he will first assess potential applicants with a quick \u2018Google\u2019 before he even offers an interview. And if your child is keen to be considered for a leadership position at school or university, it is imperative that they think about how they conduct themselves online too. Intentional, respectful interactions are the name of the game!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Be Respectful and Expect Respect Too<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Respect is at the core of all healthy relationships and that absolutely includes online interactions. So, encourage your child to extend the same level of respect to their online friends and acquaintances as they would to those they meet face-to-face. This means not creating or forwarding hurtful content and or getting involved in negative online discussions or gossip about anyone \u2013 no exceptions!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a big fan of teaching your child to speak up if they experience or witness bullying. While they may think they can handle it on their own, having input from a trusted adult will make the situation feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Advise your kids to block anyone who does not treat them respectfully online \u2013 but always take screenshots first! Being proactive will help create a positive and supportive online experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Master Healthy Digital Habits<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few essential basic digital habits that are not negotiable, in my opinion. Ensuring your kids have these down-pat will mean that they are maximising the chance of a safe and positive online experience. Here are my top 5:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n