Preteens today should not simply remain passive consumers but become active creators. It is not limited to individuals producing content on digital platforms. Instead, it encompasses preteens who understand their world, possesses the ability to express themselves and establish their own cultural standards as autonomous creators. They have the potential to create their own culture independently. It represents preteens who do not merely exist as child characters in content to be exploited or consumed. They could develop their own narratives. They are creators and innovators leading creative lives in this age of digital liminality. Therefore, adults, educators, and society must provide guidelines and education for safe participation. Recognising their potential is critical, as they are the future architects of our digital world.
Resilience has become an essential element that children must cultivate. The foundation of online resilience, digital literacy, is not merely about understanding how to use digital tools and platforms; it also encompasses a critical understanding of the digital environment. In today’s world, where misinformation and fake news are rampant, the ability to discern credible information from false or misleading content is crucial. My journey in developing digital literacy for children has been ongoing, requiring constant adaptation to the evolving digital landscape.
The digital world, with its immediacy and often anonymous interactions, can be a hotbed for emotional reactivity. I have experienced firsthand how easy it is to get swept up in the heat of online debates or feel overwhelmed by the barrage of information and opinions. Developing emotional regulation has been a key step in maintaining children’s mental well-being. This has involved recognizing teens’ emotional triggers and learning to pause and reflect before responding to provocative content or engaging in online discussions.
Setting healthy boundaries is integral to online resilience. This means being mindful of how much time children spend online and the quality of their digital interactions. I have learned the importance of disconnecting and engaging in offline activities, recognising that constant connectivity can lead to digital burnout. Establishing these boundaries has not only improved mental health but has also enriched real-life relationships and productivity. It’s about finding a balance.
Finally, self-awareness has been a crucial component in building online resilience. Understanding vulnerabilities, such as a tendency to compare with others on social media or getting too immersed in the digital world, might help navigate online more wisely. This awareness tailors people’s online experience to what is beneficial and positive. It involves regularly reflecting on their online habits, the content they consume, and how these influence their mood and self-perception.
“Digital literacy serve as potential safeguards for young people against harmful consequences of negative online experiences”
Digital literacy and online resilience as facilitators of young people’s wellbeing? A systematic review
https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/115036/1/Preprint_Vissenbergetal_DigitalLiteracyResilienceWellbeing.pdf
Reference:
Vissenberg, J., d’Haenens, L., & Livingstone, S. (2022). Digital literacy and online
resilience as facilitators of young people’s wellbeing? A systematic review. European
Psychologist, 27(2), 76-85. doi:10.1027/1016-9040/a000478