Generation Z and Generation Alpha: how to raise awareness among young people on the Web?
Searching for the perfect banana bread recipe, ordering the bag of your dreams or a goat's milk soap, stalking your ex on social networks, or watching a tutorial on Youtube to teach your dog the macarena... Much more than a tool, the Web is a universe where anything seems possible. The Internet has become an integral part of our lives. For the younger generations, growing up in this connected world has become a norm. How can we ensure that they surf the Web safely and wisely? In our ever-evolving digital age, educating the younger generation about the digital world is of paramount importance.
Let's face it, the Internet is a handy tool that makes life easier, but what are the limits? Young people need to be made aware of the dangers and constraints of the Web. Sometimes misused, it can lead to many problems. So how do you outwit the traps of the Internet with style, ride the wave of information without drowning in the flow, and manage your digital identity with as much swag (yes, we know, it's no longer said) as caution? Find out how to teach the younger generation to surf safely and serenely in this (almost) new digital age. Let's dive in! 🔥
5 essential things about the Web that younger generations need to be aware of
Safe sailing ✅
+ 97.5% account hacking by 2022(1)
Given these figures, cybersecurity remains a fundamental pillar of digital education, especially for the younger generations who are often the most vulnerable to Web threats.
It all starts with creating passwords. A strong password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to online accounts. It's important to guide younger children to create passwords that are not only complex, with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, but also a unique password for each account.
💡 To remember passwords and store them securely, use a password manager.
Online security also means protection against phishing attempts and scams. These fraudulent techniques aim to trick users into divulging personal information, such as passwords or bank details. Teach your children how to identify these attempts, which often take the form of suspicious e-mails or messages, with urgent requests or grammatical errors. They should learn never to click on dubious links or open attachments from unknown sources.
Caution is also advised when using public Wi-Fi connections. These networks are generally unsecured, exposing young people to the risk of data theft.
💡 Advise them to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure their connections when they have no choice but to use a public network.
⚡️ Make sure they regularly update their software. Updates are not only intended to add new features, but also to correct security flaws. They should be encouraged to activate automatic updates to ensure that their software is always up to date.
2. Balancing privacy and confidentiality ⚖️
Every click, share and post leaves a lasting digital footprint, so educate the younger generation about managing their privacy. Indeed, young users are not necessarily aware of the implications of their online actions and of dangers such as cyber-bullying, identity theft and misuse of their data.
Their information can be seen not only by their friends, but also by a wider audience, even strangers.
💡 Guide them in configuring their privacy settings on social networks and platforms to ensure they share their information only with the people they choose.
This sharing of personal information goes beyond the obvious data such as addresses or phone numbers; it also includes photos, opinions and interactions on social networks. This information, once shared, can circulate far beyond the initial circle of friends and become difficult, if not impossible, to remove completely from the Internet. It is therefore important to encourage them to think twice before publishing or sharing personal data.
Also, encourage young people to read and understand the privacy policies of the websites and apps they use. While these documents can be lengthy and technical, having a basic understanding of how their data is collected, used and shared is essential. This helps them make informed decisions about the platforms they use and how they interact with them.
⚡️ Every publication, comment or share is not without consequence, and contributes to their unique and lasting digital footprint. Online presence can have long-term repercussions, with adverse consequences for the future of younger people (job opportunities or admission to educational establishments, for example). The Internet never forgets, so encourage them to present themselves thoughtfully and responsibly on social networks and other platforms.
3. Discern the veracity of information and develop a critical mind 🤔
On the Internet, information circulates at the speed of light, and it's sometimes difficult to discern reliable information from lies. Teach younger generations to recognize red flags, such as overly sensational headlines or stories that defy logic. This encourages them to search for the truth, dig deeper and seek confirmation from multiple, credible sources.
Who shares information?
Why and how is this information presented?
Does it come from an expert in the field, or is it just someone else's opinion?
Does the site publishing the information have a reliable reputation?
Critical thinking doesn't stop at simply identifying fake news; it also involves actively questioning information. This means:
analyze the arguments,
understand different points of view,
and recognize that there may be several interpretations of the same information.
Understanding how their own preferences can influence their perception of information, or how social networking algorithms tend to create echoes of their opinions, will enable them to develop a more balanced view of information.
🎧 Find out more on the euphonie.studio podcast: EP 05: Reliability and authority of sources
4. Behave ethically and responsibly 🌱
For the younger generations, growing up in an increasingly connected world, learning to interact respectfully and responsibly on the Web is essential.
Encourage them to communicate with respect and consideration, whether in a comment on a blog, a post on social networks, or even an e-mail. Explain that behind every screen is a real person, with feelings and opinions. Respecting the diversity of opinions, active listening and thinking before responding are fundamental principles.
Younger generations need to be aware of the impact and scope of their actions on the Web. What they share, comment on or like can have long-term consequences, not only for themselves, but also for others. This is known as cyber-bullying.
How can cyberbullying be prevented, according to the CNIL?(2)
Adopt pseudonyms and avatars that are adapted to different platforms and online uses.
Configure your social networking profiles to control what information is shared.
Strengthen the security of your online accounts: choose strong, unique passwords for each account and activate double authentication.
Think about the consequences before you interact online: your comments, shares, and "likes" can impact others. "Liking" or sharing offensive content can be considered cyberstalking.
Ask for permission before publishing a photo of someone.
Preserve your privacy: share the bare minimum about yourself and avoid divulging your opinions, phone number, beliefs or state of health.
Even if you're not directly affected, remain vigilant and report any unlawful behavior, content or actions.
Don't hesitate to inform and educate your children against cyberbullying with these valuable tips.
⚡️ Access to a wide range of content, such as photos, music and videos, is now within everyone's reach. But using this content without permission or acknowledging the original creators is not only illegal, it's also disrespectful of the work of others. By educating them on the proper ways to cite sources, obtain permissions and share content, we teach them to value and respect the creativity and work of others.
4. Manage your screen time and find a balance 📱
3 h /day
That's how much screen time French studies(3) have measured among 3-17 year-olds in 2021.
In our hyper-connected society, where screens have become near-constant companions, young people need to learn how to manage their screen time. Beyond counting the hours spent in front of screens; help your children find a healthy balance between the digital world and real-life experiences.
Younger generations need to diversify their activities: enjoy leisure activities, take part in physical exercise, spend time with family and friends, or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet without the presence of a screen. Time spent in front of screens can have consequences for their well-being (visual fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, stress, anxiety...). Screen-free time stimulates the imagination, promotes relaxation and contributes to healthy personal growth.
💡 Create healthy routines with defined screen-free times, such as study breaks, screen-free family meals, or the hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. These routines help structure the day, offering a balance between time spent online and offline.
However, screen time management shouldn't be rigid or one-size-fits-all. Rather, it's about helping each child or teenager find their own balance, taking into account their needs and lifestyle.
Raising awareness of Internet use among the younger generation ✅ :
Educate young people on the Web to ensure their safety, well-being and development as responsible citizens.
Guide young people to use social networks constructively, emphasizing positive communication and respect for privacy.
Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline life, by promoting the management of screen time and the diversification of activities.
Raise awareness of the long-term impact of the digital footprint, highlighting its influence on future opportunities.
Educate on the importance of respecting intellectual property and sharing content ethically.