Children and youth are surrounded by technology everywhere, and parents have the responsibility to teach them how to use it safely. According to UNESCO, digital literacy involves accessing, using, and communicating information through technology without risks. Regular conversations give children a chance to share their online experiences.
In today's increasingly connected world, parents must build children's skills to handle the internet wisely. This starts with age-appropriate conversations that value the child's experiences and allow them to describe what they see online.
Key topics include protecting personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers, and sharing it only with well-known people. Children should understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be, and there are dangers in talking to strangers. Moreover, anything sent online, like photos or videos, can spread quickly via screenshots, so think twice before sending.
The internet contains inappropriate content, such as material related to sex, violence, or drugs, and children should know how to hide it and report to trusted adults. Technology can lead to addiction by stimulating pleasure centers in the brain, so set limits and take breaks regularly. Not all information online is true, due to fake news or AI-generated images, and verify from multiple sources.
Finally, online violence like bullying exists, and the first step is telling a trusted adult. Parents should make these conversations part of daily life, starting from news or school events, and lead by example in their own online behavior.