Deepfake, a technology that uses artificial intelligence to create highly realistic fake videos or images, has become a growing concern. The potential for manipulation and dissemination of false content is alarming, and children and adolescents are increasingly exposed to this risk. The issue goes beyond being victims of deepfake, as they can also become involuntary authors and spreaders of this type of content. In this scenario, parents and educators must understand the importance of creating healthy and necessary boundaries to protect children and adolescents from this phenomenon.
However, it is important to recognize that many adults face an additional challenge when trying to guide their children in using the camera on their cell phones. The rapid evolution of technology and the lack of adequate preparation leave many parents in an uncomfortable position. Many of them grew up in a time when technology was not as ubiquitous and learned to use it on their own, without formal or systematic guidance. As a result, many feel insecure when trying to teach their children to use the camera on their cell phones positively and constructively.
It is also important to highlight that formal education often fails to keep up with the fast pace of technological changes. Schools do not always offer a comprehensive curriculum that teaches children and adolescents about the responsible use of the camera on their devices, and many teachers are not adequately trained for this.
Without a clear reference point, the lack of preparation in schools and parents’ lack of knowledge creates a significant gap in fundamental knowledge that is detrimental to the development of digital skills in children and adolescents.
In this article, our goal is to show that parents, teachers, guardians, and adults in general, when teaching how to use the camera on a smartphone or tablet, need to go beyond the technical aspects of using the technology, such as features (focus, zoom, flash), lighting, framing, storage, and basic editing. It is necessary to teach ethical and behavioral skills, help develop attitudes and values, and foster critical thinking.
You may be wondering, how this can be done. The first step is to assess your basic digital intelligence skills and ensure that you are prepared to guide children and adolescents in the era of artificial intelligence and deepfake with safety and well-being.
Educaself has developed the “First Steps for Parents” test. This test covers questions related to understanding technology, digital ethics, privacy, critical thinking, and responsible online behavior. By taking this test, you will be able to identify your strengths and areas that need improvement, and you will have access to additional resources and guidance to become more confident and secure.
Visit our website and take the Educaself test to discover your digital intelligence skills and strengthen your ability to protect and guide children and adolescents, so that they are not targets or easy prey, but also not creators or spreaders of deepfakes. Click here to learn more.
