The Importance of Digital Literacy and Online Safety
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an indispensable part of children’s lives. It serves as a powerful tool for entertainment, socialisation, and education, playing a significant role in their development. However, the increasing reliance on digital technology introduces a heightened need to prioritise online safety. Developing digital literacy is one of the strongest weapons we have against online threats, and realising the importance of appropriate digital education is critical in protecting kids online.
At a young age, we are the most receptive to retaining new information. For example, learning a language as a child is much easier than learning it later on in adult life. This unique ability of young people to effectively retain knowledge is why starting education young is so important. As children’s first point of contact, parents, guardians, and caregivers have the power and opportunity to educate them about potential threats lingering online. By establishing an environment of open communication about the digital environment, online friendships, and how to identify signs of risky behaviour, parents can ensure that their kids are well-equipped to navigate the internet safely.
Of course, parents and guardians don’t always have the necessary time, resources, or knowledge to facilitate these discussions. This is where other child safety stakeholders come into play. Technology has become an essential part of all of our lives, but it has yet to become a required theme in school curriculums. We must work towards a full-rounded educational system that includes courses on digital literacy. Discussions on online safety, how to recognise threats online, and where to go for help must become the norm, so that young people who can’t receive this education at home are still equipped to stay safe online.
Empowering Youth through Positive Digital Spaces
Numerous organisations dedicated to supporting young people in developing their digital literacy skills, especially those in underprivileged areas, make their resources available for free online. Schools and educational facilities that lack the necessary resources or funding to invest in digital education can benefit from the information and education offered online.
Online platforms also have great power in creating safer online experiences for young users. Not only can they lead the way by creating child-centred, safe-by-design products, but they can also empower young people by offering resources and learning opportunities. The internet is full of juxtaposition. It can be exciting, fun, and educational, create opportunities, jobs, and help young people develop skills. But a lack of knowledge about it can turn it into something else entirely, an environment filled with online risks and potential abuse.
We have the power to determine how the internet looks to young people. By trusting in their intelligence and their ability to learn, we can empower them to use the internet in a safe and positive way. The UN Peacebuilding Fund is supporting initiatives across the Western Balkans that are doing just that – engaging young people to take a stand against hate speech and cultivate safer digital environments.
Fostering Youth Participation and Empowerment
Meaningful youth engagement views young people as equal partners with adults in the decision-making process. Programs and activities are developed with youth, rather than for youth. In this kind of equal partnership, both adults and young people need to be fully engaged, open to change in how things are done, and share a unified vision for the partnership.
Involving youth in decision-making structures and program development can have numerous benefits for organisations and young people alike. Programs that are developed in partnership with youth are more likely to be effective at engaging the population and having a greater impact. Empowering youth to identify and respond to community needs helps them become empathetic, reflective individuals, setting them on a course to potentially continue this important work in their future.
When young people are given a platform to voice their concerns and ideas, it can lead to tangible change. For example, in North Macedonia and Kosovo, the UN is supporting the development of national youth strategies that place young people at the core and prioritise the eradication of hate speech. In Albania, young individuals have developed small-scale project ideas aimed at countering hate speech, ranging from promoting peacebuilding through graffiti to producing animations highlighting the value of democratic processes.
Harnessing the Power of Youth-Led Solutions
Young people are not just passive recipients of digital technology – they are active agents who can create positive change. By empowering youth to design and lead their own digital solutions, we can unlock their potential to build safer and more inclusive online spaces.
One inspiring example comes from a young girl in Poland who created a website to report gender-based violence. The website is disguised as an online cosmetics store, with different “products” corresponding to different types of violence. Users can connect with a “sales assistant” who is actually a protection officer, guiding them through the reporting process. This innovative, youth-led solution demonstrates the power of digital tools to address real-world challenges.
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many young people used online platforms to access support services and connect with their communities when in-person resources were disrupted. Child Helpline International, for example, had to increase its online staff and volunteers by almost 20% to address the surge in children’s requests for help online.
By understanding how young people are navigating the digital world and the challenges they face, we can develop more effective strategies to support them. Initiatives like the UN’s “Protection through Online Participation” project are working to map these youth-led solutions and identify ways to improve online safety services and resources.
Empowering Youth at Stanley Park High School
At Stanley Park High School, we are committed to empowering our students to be active participants in shaping their digital futures. We recognise that young people possess a wealth of knowledge and creativity that can be harnessed to create positive change.
Throughout our curriculum, we prioritise digital literacy and online safety education, ensuring that our students have the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Our students engage in discussions about online risks, identifying and reporting harmful content, and accessing support services when needed.
Beyond the classroom, we encourage our students to take the lead in designing and implementing their own digital initiatives. Whether it’s developing a school-based app to promote mental health resources, or launching a social media campaign to combat cyberbullying, we provide our students with the platform and support to turn their ideas into reality.
We also actively seek out partnerships with local and global organisations dedicated to youth empowerment and digital safety. By collaborating with experts, we can ensure that our students have access to the latest information, tools, and resources to help them thrive in the digital age.
At Stanley Park High School, we believe that by empowering our students to be active participants in shaping the digital landscape, we can create a future where young people are equipped to navigate the online world safely, responsibly, and with confidence. We invite all members of our school community to join us in this important endeavour.