Raise your kids to be DIGITAL CITIZENS

 DIGITAL CITIZENS OF TODAY

Came across this interesting yet debatable article in Times Of India today, "Tablets take over Textbooks". 2017 is indeed a Digital Year, and we should truly be known as Digital Citizens.
The Digital Quotient is taking us by a storm, by the time we try to settle in; there's already a new digital cloudburst. 
Well, the article in Times Of India, talked about how schools in India are replacing textbooks and traditional blackboards, chalks and dusters with tablets and smart boards. This revolution is being adopted my most of the Indian schools.They are making education more fun, more interactive, more customized, school bags lighter, and online exams easier for kids . While the schools are taking utmost safety precautions, like installing firewalls, it's time for us as parents to do our bit, in raising them as True Digital Citizens.

Children are spending a tremendous amount of time on Tabs, Ipads, cellphones, TVs; in schools and at homes. It is getting exceedingly difficult to keep a tab off them all the time. In order to face the fierce digital competition today, It is paramount for them to stay with the current technology and trends. Instead of keeping the children away from this metamorphosis, its time we educate them with the key elements of Digital Citizenship. Build them physically and psychologically strong enough to resist the Internet Addiction and be able to safe guard themselves from the ill effects  of the Internet. 

A Digital Citizen

Just like, to be a good Citizen you need to know your rights and follow your responsibilities, A Digital Citizen also needs to know his/her rights and follow responsibilities. The internet also has Laws and Regulations we need to know and abide by. These Laws and Regulations are made for the safety and protection of the people of the world. It teaches us to protect all our private information, respect others, stay safe online, stand up to cyber bullying and balance our time online. If we teach the children to follow certain alert codes, we automatically discipline them and restrain them from doing any harm or getting harmed online. 

• Whatever you do on the internet leaves footprints, it can be traced somehow or the other. There are BOTs monitoring all the actions taking place on the Internet.
• Only visit websites that are approved by schools and parents that help in education, completely ignore websites that show inappropriate content.
• Be kind and Respectful to every individual and their internet space. 
• A big No No to "CYBER BULLYING"! Never let anyone bully you. Do not be afraid and instantly report an adult about it. There is CYBER POLICE who can trace the culprit down and punish him/her. 
• In case of  "CYBER BULLYING" keep the evidence as proof, Do not delete it.
• Always use your school or home WiFi. Take permission before using anyone else WiFi.
• Make sure there is a time limit you set for yourself. Control the urge of playing more than the time set for yourself.
• Make safe decisions while online, if buying a product, firstly check with your parents, check reviews, compare prices. Buy only if you need it. Make your payment options secure and use secured sites only.
• You never know who you are sharing your Information with, it can get you in trouble. Avoid sharing any personal information like name, number, address or passwords with anyone on the Internet. Ask your parents before doing it. 
• Remember that pictures uploaded can be misused. Again think where you are uploading and if it can be accessed by anyone else or not.
• Do not get friendly or share personal information with strangers on Social Media platforms. The information you see can be deceiving.

Dear Parents, Internet has its pros and cons. Do not panic or worry, just teach them how to be wise and safe and they'll be absolutely fine.

Put in a word, if you agree and are on your way to making your child a true DIGITAL CITIZEN. Also share the post so others can benefit from it too!!!