by Sue Atkins
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the “digital jungle” has become an integral part of children’s daily lives. From social media to gaming, smartphones to AI-powered tools, the digital landscape offers both opportunities and challenges. As children spend more time online, both at home and in school, it’s crucial for parents and educators to collaborate in helping them navigate this complex environment. Such cooperation is essential in promoting healthy digital habits, protecting children from online dangers, and ensuring that technology becomes a tool for growth rather than a distraction.
The Importance of a Joint Approach
Both parents and schools are instrumental in shaping how children interact with technology. Schools introduce students to educational technologies, digital research, and online collaboration platforms, while at home, children are immersed in social media, entertainment, and communication tools. This overlap between school and home environments underscores the need for a unified approach to digital literacy.
When schools and parents work together, they create a consistent message about technology use. This approach includes shared guidelines on screen time, discussions on online safety, and strategies for managing digital distractions. Such a collaboration enables children to develop a balanced and informed relationship with technology—one that equips them to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
However, the nature of this collaboration must evolve as rapidly as technology itself. The digital landscape is not static: new platforms, apps, and trends appear constantly, altering how children interact with their devices. Schools and parents must stay informed and adaptable, ensuring their joint efforts remain relevant in a dynamic environment.
Why Navigating the Digital Jungle Matters
Online Safety:
Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators are real threats to children in the digital world. A joint approach allows schools and parents to tackle these issues effectively. For example, schools can integrate lessons on digital citizenship and online safety into the curriculum, helping children identify and avoid online dangers. At home, parents can reinforce these teachings by setting rules around social media use, monitoring online activities, and engaging in open discussions about the potential risks.
A recent study by the UK’s Office of the Children’s Commissioner reported that 53% of children between 8-12 years old have experienced some form of online harm. This underscores the importance of a proactive and joint approach in safeguarding children online. Schools and parents must be vigilant, regularly updating their strategies to ensure children are educated about both the benefits and the dangers of the digital world.
Mental Health:
The link between excessive screen time and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, is well-documented. Social media, in particular, can foster feelings of inadequacy and isolation, as children are often exposed to unrealistic portrayals of life that lead to comparison and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Schools play a critical role in monitoring student behaviour, offering counselling services, and promoting digital detox initiatives. For instance, some schools have introduced “mindfulness breaks” during the school day, where students are encouraged to step away from screens, practice mindfulness, and engage in face-to-face interaction. Parents can reinforce these habits at home by designating technology-free zones (such as the dining room) or setting specific times when screens are turned off, such as during family meals or before bedtime. These initiatives help children balance screen time with real-world interactions, promoting a healthier mental state.
Digital Literacy:
In today’s world, the ability to critically assess online content is a crucial life skill. Misinformation is rampant, and children need to be taught how to evaluate the credibility of sources, recognise fake news, and develop critical thinking skills when browsing the internet. Schools are perfectly positioned to teach these skills through media literacy programmes and research-based projects. Teachers can guide students in identifying reliable sources, verifying information, and understanding bias in online content.
Parents, too, play an important role. Encouraging discussions about what children see online, helping them verify information, and modelling critical thinking when consuming digital content can extend the lessons taught in school. For example, if a child comes across a trending news story on social media, parents can discuss the story with their child, helping them evaluate its credibility and encouraging them to seek out additional sources of information.
Developing Healthy Habits:
Technology can easily take over a child’s day if not properly managed. The addictive nature of social media, online games, and constant notifications can lead to overuse, affecting not only academic performance but also physical and mental well-being. Schools and parents must work together to set clear boundaries on digital use.
In schools, educators can introduce “technology breaks” during class, ensuring students aren’t glued to their screens for hours on end. Additionally, schools can provide guidance on healthy screen-time practices, helping students understand when and how to step away from devices. Parents can complement these efforts at home by encouraging physical activity, outdoor play, or participation in hobbies that don’t involve screens. Parents should also be mindful of their own digital habits, as children often mimic adult behaviour. By demonstrating balanced technology use, parents can lead by example.
Practical Steps for Collaboration
Open Communication:
The first step to effective collaboration between schools and parents is maintaining open and ongoing communication. Regular updates from schools regarding digital trends, tools, and safety practices can help parents stay informed. Schools can use newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, or online platforms to share information and advice. Likewise, parents can share their concerns or observations about their child’s digital habits at home, ensuring teachers are aware of any issues that may affect behaviour at school.
Unified Digital Policies:
Schools should establish clear, transparent policies on technology use and communicate these effectively to parents. For example, if a school restricts smartphone use during class hours, parents can support this policy by limiting phone use at home, particularly during homework time. This creates consistency in how children are expected to engage with technology, reinforcing positive digital habits across both environments.
Parental Involvement in Digital Education:
Schools can enhance collaboration by offering workshops or webinars for parents on topics such as online safety, the impact of social media on mental health, and effective strategies for managing screen time. These sessions can equip parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to guide their children through the digital world. For example, a webinar on “The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem” can open parents’ eyes to the subtle effects of platforms like Instagram or TikTok, enabling them to have more informed conversations with their children.
Shared Responsibility for Digital Etiquette:
Teaching digital etiquette is a shared responsibility. Schools can introduce concepts such as respecting others online, avoiding cyberbullying, and understanding the long-term implications of a digital footprint. At home, parents can reinforce these lessons by modelling good behaviour online and discussing the consequences of negative online interactions. Schools and parents should collaborate in ensuring children understand the importance of maintaining a positive digital presence that reflects their real-world values.
Collaboration on Educational Tools:
The rise of digital learning platforms provides an opportunity for schools and parents to work together on optimising their use. Schools can guide parents on how to utilise apps or platforms for educational purposes, ensuring that learning continues at home in a supportive environment. Parents can monitor their children’s use of these platforms, ensuring they are used for educational purposes and not as a distraction.
Addressing Cyberbullying Together:
Cyberbullying remains a significant concern, and schools and parents must address this issue collaboratively. Schools can implement anti-bullying policies, conduct workshops, and create reporting mechanisms. Parents, meanwhile, should be vigilant for signs of bullying or victimisation and maintain open lines of communication with both their child and the school.
Conclusion
The digital jungle is vast and ever-evolving, making it challenging for both children and adults to navigate. However, when schools and parents join forces, they create a robust support system that equips children with the skills and resilience needed to thrive online. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and promoting digital literacy, schools and parents can help children embrace the benefits of technology while avoiding its pitfalls. In doing so, we ensure that the next generation of digital citizens grows up to be responsible, thoughtful, and healthy users of technology.
Sue Atkins is the Founder and CEO of Sue Atkins Parenting Author, Speaker & Broadcaster; Parenting Expert on BBC Radio, including the Today Programme & Woman’s Hour, BBC; Parenting Expert for Disney Family UK, Walt Disney Television; Parenting Expert on ITV ‘This Morning, ITV
If you have a question for Sue or would like to request parental services, Email: andre@leadingyourinternationalschool.com