Digital literacy is becoming a key item in the fight against cyberbullying among the target age group, i.e. children. Cyberbullying is undeniably a serious problem facing today’s society, and the development of digital skills among the youngest users of technology enables not only safer navigation in the digital world, but also plays a significant role in the prevention and suppression of this type of violence.
Why is digital literacy important?
Digital literacy, above all, encompasses a wide range of skills, including the ability to recognize misinformation and understand “What are the online threats?”, and contributes to the development of critical thinking and responsible behavior in the online world. Children who are more digitally literate are familiar with how to avoid “online” threats (for example, the “block” option) on social networks.
Why are digital skills development programs important?
Various institutions and organizations are dedicated to the development of digital skills among children with the aim of providing the necessary knowledge and tools necessary for safety in the “online” environment. A number of educational programs and workshops, as well as courses, exist precisely with the aim of offering interactive learning methods that encourage children to gain an understanding of the importance of a safe online environment.
What are the key components for developing digital skills?
- The importance of recognizing online threats;
- Ethics and promotion of positive “online” behavior;
- Critical thinking about information and misinformation;
- Safe use of digital tools and social networks.
Promoting the prevention of cyberbullying has proven to be an essential step when it comes to children’s digital skills development programs. The analysis of such programs highlights the importance of continuous evaluation, adapting the plan to children, as well as encouraging cooperation between schools/parents and organizations that support digital security. Investing in the development of children’s digital skills is considered crucial in the prevention and fight against cyberbullying. Educational programs and workshops exist with the aim of recognizing threats, but also improving ethical and positive behavior in children, thus reducing the risk of “online” violence.
| “Objavljivanje ovog teksta je finansirano grantom Ministarstva vanjskih poslova Sjedinjenih Američkih Država (Department of State). Mišljenja, nalazi i zaključci koji su ovdje navedeni pripadaju autorima i ne odražavaju nužno mišljenja, nalaze i zaključke Ministarstva vanjskih poslova Sjedinjenih Američkih Država.“ “This article was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State”. |  |