• Excessive exposure to digital technologies and the media can be problematic for youth.

• Learning about digital citizenship can help our youth to cope with digital exposure.

• In this post, we introduce some organizations with approaches to help youth with these challenging issues.

Many children are currently staying at home and using more digital technology.

Often we are concerned about children having too much screen time.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP:

It is a good time to revisit digital citizenship.

Digital citizens learn to use technology in a safe and responsible manner.

Children face the challenge to ensure cybersecurity and privacy.

They need to be aware of how to counter cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation.

Also, social networking can have negative effects.

Here are a couple of sources to assist youth to learn how to cope with these challenges.

DQ WORLD:

Previously we mentioned the (Digital intelligence Quotient) DQ Institute and their associated DQ World site.

The goal of this international coalition is to bring digital intelligence education to every child.

They offer online instruction for youth, particularly in the 8 to 12 year age group.

This assists them to become informed digital citizens.

You can access the DQWorld site:

https://us.dqworld.net/#!/landing/whatisdqworld

MEDIA SMARTS:

This is a Canadian not-for-profit group.

This award-winning site is for parents and educators.

It offers information on how to help youth manage their interaction with digital technology and the media.

Here is an example of what Media Smarts makes available.

Try Data Defenders, a free interactive game that teaches them how to manage and protect their personal information online. The game comes with a Parent Guide.

It includes tips on discussing and managing privacy with your children.

You can access the Media Smarts site at:

BENEFITS:

There are many benefits for those who use the internet effectively:

• Increases their self-esteem;

• Improves relationships with their friends, and

• Enables a wider network for help.

• Being informed on how to cope with today’s demanding technologies is an important skill.

• As they enter adulthood this ability will be invaluable.

We can review these websites and introduce discussion topics when working with youth.

You can read more about digital citizenship in previous posts found at: http://www.ourfutureleaders.ca/program-activities/digital-citizenship-now/

http://www.ourfutureleaders.ca/blog/revisiting-digital-citizenship/

What are your experiences with and thoughts about assisting our youth to cope with the challenges offered by modern technologies?

Please share your ideas on how we can work with our youth in this regard.

This will enable them to gain the communication and leadership skills that will enable them to be successful in this changing world.