With the growing advancement of technology, children are increasingly trusting machines, more than humans, according to a recent study published in Science Direct. This behaviour highlights the urgent need for parents to acquire digital intelligence skills to guide their children in this landscape. Digital intelligence involves the knowledge and skills to use technology consciously and critically. Well-informed parents can help balance children’s trust between machines and human interactions, promoting healthy development.
Understanding the Digital World:
Parents need to understand the platforms and tools their children use in order to guide them effectively. This includes not only social media, but also smart devices such as Google Home and Alexa that can influence children’s perceptions of trust and interaction.
Mediation and Monitoring:
Being present in children’s digital experiences is crucial. Monitoring helps identify problematic behaviours, intervene when necessary, setting boundaries and guiding interactions.
Fostering Critical Thinking:
Developing critical thinking in children regarding technology is essential. Teaching them to question information and not blindly trust everything a machine says is an important step toward more conscious use of technology.
Encouraging Human Socialization:
As children become more dependent on technology, it’s important to encourage real human interactions. Activities that promote empathy, communication, and cooperation should be encouraged to balance the use of technology.
The digital age offers countless advantages but also presents challenges. Parents with digital intelligence are better equipped to navigate this new world, helping their children use technology in a positive and safe way, without losing the importance of human relationships.
By becoming digitally empowered, parents not only protect but also prepare their children for a balanced future in an increasingly technological world.
To improve your digital intelligence skills, take the First Steps for Parents test, and read the e-book Guiding Children in the Digital World.
To read the cited study, click here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563224000979