By Ayo Onikoyi

Digital skills are increasingly important for children to succeed in the 21st century. If they develop them from an early age, they will be better prepared to navigate the digital world around them and take advantage of the many opportunities it offers.

To commemorate the digital parenting day, the Chief Operating Officer of Robota STEM training, Francisca Akajuru offers some insights into how parents can navigate the digital jungle, providing a guide on how to go about it.

According to her, easy access to the Internet on smartphones, tablets, and computers might make the digital space feel like a jungle, with kids having increasing access to content and information more than ever before.

She holds that Digital parenting is essential in today’s world, as parents need to guide their children through this wild, wonderful, and sometimes scary online world.

She avers, “Digital parenting refers to the parenting practices that maximize the benefits and minimize potential risks of children’s interactions with digital media and online spaces. Balancing the pros and cons of digital usage is a challenge for many parents.”

In her summation she makes the following  recommendations and assertions.

Why Digital Parenting Matters?

* It’s like knowing the lay of the land. Knowing where your kids are going online and what they’re up to is essential.

* Just like we protect our kids from real-world dangers, we need to shield them from online threats like cyberbullying and inappropriate content.

* Teaching them online etiquette is like teaching manners. We want them to be respectful and responsible online.

* It is a way of supporting Children’s Digital Literacy, helping them become digital natives who can use technology effectively and critically.

Here are the some of the basic Digital skills kids should have to safely navigate through todays digital world

* Basic computer skills: Kids need to learn how to use computers and navigate various software programs. This includes skills such as typing, using a mouse or touchpad, and understanding basic file management.

* Internet safety and online privacy: With so much of our personal information online, it’s important for kids to understand how to protect themselves and their privacy online. They need to learn about online risks such as cyberbullying, phishing, and identity theft.

* Digital citizenship: Kids need to learn how to use digital tools responsibly and ethically. This includes understanding the importance of respecting others online, being aware of copyright laws, and being mindful of their online reputation.

* Coding and programming: Coding and programming skills are becoming increasingly important. Kids who learn to code will be better equipped to understand the technology around them and develop innovative solutions to problems.

* Critical thinking and problem-solving: Digital tools are great for helping kids learn to think critically and solve problems. Whether it’s using an online database to research a topic or working collaboratively on a project using digital tools, these skills will be invaluable in the 21st century.

* Communication skills: As more and more communication takes place online, kids need to develop strong communication skills to succeed. This includes learning how to write effective emails, use video conferencing tools, and collaborate effectively in virtual environments.

If they develop these digital skills from an early age, they will be better prepared to navigate the digital world around them and take advantage of the many opportunities it offers.

Robota and Digital Parenting.

As a leading STEM education provider in Africa, Robota is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators. We believe that digital literacy is a vital skill for young people to succeed in today’s world. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing resources and support to parents and educators on digital parenting.

Here is how Robota has been helping parents to achieve their digital parenting goals.

* We have hosted several workshops on topics like online safety, digital etiquette, and parental controls.

* We have developed an online directory of resources, articles, and videos that provide practical tips and advice for parents.

* We are constantly partnering with schools and communities to promote digital parenting awareness.

* We’re providing discounts on STEM education programs that can help children develop the skills they need to thrive in the digital age.

The internet has made parenting much more complex, therefore, at Robota, we aim to encourage good parenting through resources that aid the digital well-being of children, focusing on more on the positives, steering the child towards a digitally empowered future.