Today, more and more careers involve a fair amount of technology. In most schools, children are taught how to use laptops and various other technology to access resources and homework online. While most children will receive a basic understanding of technology, some families and school districts do not have the financial means to provide adequate technological resources to students and teach them basic digital literacy. If we want to set future generations up for success, we need to teach them digital literacy.
Online safety
One of the most important reasons to teach children digital literacy is in order to keep them safe online. There are plenty of threats to children online; they could encounter strangers with bad intentions or share private information about themselves or their families that could lead to stolen identifies or compromise other personal information. Teaching children how to safely and responsibly use technology helps keep them safe.
Creating a brand
Whether you intend to or not, any actions you take online work toward creating an online brand. Even if children do not have a social presence online, their friends or family members may be posting things. Their school may post pictures or announcements that involve them. In order to have control over their brand and how it develops, children should have digital literacy.
Career success
Nearly every industry now uses technology to some degree; its usage will only become more prevalent in the future. Teaching children digital literacy makes it easier for them to pick up the skills and knowledge necessary for any future career path. Kids who start learning about technology at a younger age often have an edge when it comes to the skills they’ll need for their careers.
Access information
You can access virtually any information online. Understanding how to find this information and determine what’s reliable and relevant is an important skill. Digital literacy helps children sift through the barrage of information online and determine what’s accurate and what might be biased. They’ll also better understand how to research a topic if digital literacy is taught at a younger age.
Encourages creativity
Technology provides an endless amount of programs and features that encourage creativity. In many fields, creativity is a must-have and makes life more enjoyable. Digital literacy provides children with the tools they need to embrace various types of creativity, such as writing, web design, or video making. There are lots of places to find inspiration as well.
Enhances communication
With technology, it’s possible to communicate with someone virtually anywhere in the world. Teaching children the etiquette of online communication early on helps them learn to be kinder people online and also successfully connect with people from all different walks of life.