What is digital citizenship? Tips to keep your child safe from cyberbullying

The advancement of technology and social media has made our lives a lot easier. At the same time, there is no denying that it has put us at the risk of falling prey to cybercrime. There has been a constant rise in cases of cyber theft, catfishing and cyberbullying from which no one is safe, particularly the children. While social media can be a powerful tool, it should be used responsibly. That goes for both adults and kids. To protect the next-gen from becoming victims or perpetrators, it is important to impart appropriate knowledge about the cyber world and tips to stay safe, which is called "Digital Citizenship".

Digital citizenship is referred to as the responsible usage of technology and norms related to it by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society in any manner. It can help the kids to understand digital literacy and prevent cyberbullying. It comprises the golden rules for the digital era and is as crucial as providing formal education or installing good morale. This includes digital safety and digital etiquette.

Sometimes children unknowingly put their personal details on certain apps and websites, exposing themselves to harmful content, cyberbullying and harmful content. Some even provide fake age to get access to some websites. Keeping a close eye and keeping a track of your kid's online activity can help the kids to behave responsibly and use the digital media safely. To reduce the risk of cybercrime and ensure your kid's safety, parents should do the following things:

Help children set the privacy controls

Discuss the types of content and information showed by shared online

Following child’s social media accounts

Checking the websites their child visit often

Ask for their password and social media account

Digital etiquette is quite contrary to digital safety but is equally important. Digital etiquette is referred to an individual's conduct on social media sites and the usage of the internet and technology. That includes details about information and pictures that need to be kept private, how they should treat others and respect their private space. To ensure that your kid maintains the etiquette, here are few things parents can do.

Talk to your kid about cyberbullying or hurtful content

Discussing the kind of content they can share

Review their behaviour towards others on social media

Discussing posting hurtful vengeful, or disrespectful content

Discussing places that should be device‐free

Setting limits at every age for use of devices

The whole idea of educating your child about cyber laws and crime is to reduce the communication gap regarding the use of social media and the internet. Your child must be first able to differentiate between right and wrong and secondly talk to your freely about it when they face any issues. If your child reports about cyber-bullying to you, you must:

Listen carefully

Discuss a plan of action

Implement a plan and follow up

You should discuss with your child about the appropriate usage of technology. Do not enforce your decisions on them and do not be too pushy. Have an open discussion and make them aware of what is wrong and what is right. Forcing them or punishing them without giving appropriate reasons won't help much.