Samara, 13, is active on social media and has over 127,000 followers on Instagram alone. “Each time I say Samara make your account private, public kar deti hai (she makes it public) (sic),” says Riddhima. She adds, “Firstly, I didn’t want her to have an account. So, I keep monitoring.”

She tells Samara, who is sitting next to her, that she needs to delete her account. “Do it when you’re older,” she stresses.

With the use of social media becoming common among the youth, There is a growing need for parents to teach their children about digital literacy. Understanding how to safely navigate the internet is crucial in today’s digital world, where online dangers are becoming more common.

Poras Pratap Singh, founder Neurix AI, Indore, tells indianexpress.com why digital literacy is important for children and how parents can help protect their kids online.

Major risks children face on social media

Singh says, “Children face significant risks on social media, which have become increasingly common due to the all-pervasive nature of these platforms and the anonymity they can offer. The greatest risk is exposure to cyberbullying, leading to huge emotional stress in children, anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.” To put it into perspective, he cites a study in the Journal of Adolescent Health that reported about 20-40% of adolescents are affected by cyberbullying, reflecting the wide scale impact of this issue.

Another major risk is the Presence of online predators who use social media to target vulnerable children. These predators often create fake profiles to engage children in inappropriate conversations or relationships, sometimes leading to physical encounters. “The incidence of such predators is very high, with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting millions of child exploitation cases every year.”

Children also run the risk of encountering inappropriate content, Singh explains, such as violent or sexual material, which can have serious repercussions on their psychological development. Privacy concerns are also significant, as children often carelessly share personal data online, which can be misused for identity theft or stalking.

Practical activities using educational tools and resources designed for digital literacy can be beneficial (Source: Freepik)

Teaching digital literacy to children

Parents can play a crucial role in teaching digital literacy to their children, ensuring they navigate the online world safely and responsibly. “Digital literacy involves knowing how to communicate through technology, discerning what is real and what isn’t, recognizing dangers, and knowing how to approach such situations,” Singh informs.

The most effective way parents can achieve this, he asserts, is by maintaining open communication about their children’s online experiences and activities. Discussing potential dangers and encouraging children to share any uncomfortable or suspicious online interactions can create a supportive environment. He adds, “Providing clear and consistent internet rules, such as time limits and restrictions on accessible content, and explaining the reasons behind these rules helps build understanding rather than resentment.”

Additionally, practical activities using educational tools and resources designed for digital literacy can be beneficial. Websites like Common Sense Media offer age-appropriate lessons and activities that teach children about online safety, privacy, and digital etiquette.

Practical steps for monitoring and managing social media usage

Monitoring and managing children’s social media use while respecting their privacy can be achieved through a balanced approach, Singh promises. “Parental control tools offer features such as screen time management, website blocking, and activity reporting, allowing parents to monitor online behavior without being overly intrusive.”

Creating a family media plan that outlines rules for social media use can also be effective. This plan might include guidelines on acceptable content, who can be added as friends, and appropriate online conduct. Singh states, “Involving children in developing this plan can make them feel more invested in following the rules and respecting their need for autonomy.”

Regularly reviewing privacy settings on social media accounts with children, he says, ensures accounts are set to private and helps them understand the importance of controlling who can see their posts. Parents should also guide their children in creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to enhance security.