Digital Citizenship Pillars
Digital Wellness: Healthy relationships with technology Digital Safety: Protecting self and personal information Digital Respect: Treating others kindly online Digital Responsibility: Understanding online actions have consequences
These are essential life skills.
Screen Time Guidelines by Age
Under 18 months: Avoid screens 18-24 months: High-quality content with parents 2-5 years: Max 1 hour/day high-quality content 6+ years: Consistent limits, focus on educational/quality content
Quality of content matters as much as quantity.
Signs of Unhealthy Screen Use
- Constant device checking
- Anxiety when unable to access devices
- Sleep disruption
- Academic decline
- Social withdrawal
- Mood changes (irritability, aggression)
- Difficulty with in-person interaction
These require intervention.
Online Safety Foundations
Passwords and Privacy: - Strong, unique passwords - Never share passwords - Private accounts (limited to friends) - Understand privacy settings
Personal Information: - Never share location - Don't share full birthday, address, phone - Be cautious about photos - Understand digital footprint
Stranger Danger: - Not all online "friends" are who they claim - Predators target young people - Trust gut about uncomfortable conversations - Tell adults about suspicious interactions
Cyberbullying Prevention
Prevention: - Kind online behavior - Understanding impact of words - Not participating in bullying - Reporting bullying when seen
If bullied: - Don't engage or respond - Save evidence - Block the person - Tell a trusted adult - Report to platform - Seek counseling if needed
Screen Time Strategies
Set boundaries: - Device-free meals - No screens 1-2 hours before bed - Screen-free bedrooms - Designated "off" times
Encourage alternatives: - Outdoor activities - Sports/hobbies - In-person socializing - Family time - Physical play
Make tech intentional: - Specific purpose (learning, connecting) - Not default activity - Not coping mechanism - Limited to schedule
Social Media Awareness
Social media effects on youth: - Comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out) - Reduced self-esteem - Sleep disruption - Anxiety and depression - Curated reality distortion
Help children understand: - Influencers' motivations - Filters/editing - Algorithmic curating - Business models
Balancing Restriction and Connection
Complete restriction often backfires: - Creates rebellion - Reduces open communication - Prevents learning healthy boundaries - Isolates from peers
Better approach: - Open discussion about technology - Co-viewing/co-playing - Clear boundaries with rationale - Modeling healthy use
Media Literacy Skills
Teach children to: - Evaluate source credibility - Recognize advertising - Spot misinformation - Understand algorithms - Think critically about content
When to Seek Help
Professional support may be needed if: - Addiction-like behaviors - Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression) - Online exploitation or abuse - Severe impacts on academics/relationships
Early intervention helps.
