How to balance the relationship between children and the internet? – 09/02/2023 – Education

Like almost all existing tools, the internet can be used for good or for bad. Misinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying and harassment are some of the many dangers children can be exposed to in the digital world. But there are also opportunities that deserve our reflection, such as the possibility of discovering new things, developing creativity, creating content, engaging with real issues and effectively participating in the construction of a better society.

Of course, the risks should not be overlooked — and, for that, we can count on several projects that help us understand and avoid the main pitfalls of the internet. But preparing to minimize risks does not mean denying the digital universe. “The concerns are valid. But there is the other side of the coin. What are children doing (on the internet) that can be beautiful, empowering? Do you want to have a child just protected or empowered?”, asks Jessica Taylor Piotrowski, researcher and Professor at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) at the University of Amsterdam.

This week, she participated in the event for World Safer Internet Day, organized by Safernet Brasil and the Information and Coordination Center of Ponto BR (NIC.br). Celebrated on February 7th, the date is an important catalyst for the debate on safer, more conscious and responsible use of the world wide web.

“Empowering” children and young people on the internet means going beyond (necessary) protection mechanisms. It means ensuring that everyone has the chance to develop a rich set of skills to reflectively consume the information available today in abundance, exercise self-expression responsibly and, thus, actively participate in the connected society. For this to happen, it is necessary to involve several actors: families, schools, public policy makers, developers and internet companies, among others. Each of these instances can contribute to minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities in the digital environment.

This is a right recognized by the United Nations (UN). About two years ago, the organization’s Committee on Children’s Rights released a series of recommendations on the subject, including that countries adopt measures and laws to protect children from harmful, violent and misleading content. But he also drew attention to the need to fight the digital divide that separates young people with and without access to the internet.

“Meaningful access to digital technologies can empower children and support them in the full realization of their civil, political, cultural, economic and social rights”, highlighted Luis Pedernera, president of the committee, at the time of the launch. “If such technologies are only available to some children and not to others, it will drive further inequality and affect their future opportunities.”

Facing digital and media education as a right for everyone, especially the youngest, is the first step towards a fairer, more balanced and safer internet.