Being responsible and respectful online

To better understand

The digital sphere: an environment in which young people thrive.

Whether at school or at home, digital technology is particularly present in young people’s lives. With just a few clicks, teens can:

• Find information on the web.
• Browse various websites.
• Use social media.
• Play online games.
• And much more.

Online, teens express their opinions, interact with other young people, and can develop new relationships. Indeed, the virtual sphere is an environment in which teens evolve and have a variety of experiences.

The digital sphere: advantages and challenges!

The digital age has many advantages. It provides access to a wealth of information in just a few clicks. It also makes it easy and quick to get in touch with friends and family. It allows young people to stay connected with their family and peers, no matter where they are. In the virtual world, teens can also explore and assert their identity. Through digital technology, young people communicate and can form connections, for example via social media.

However, its use also presents certain challenges. For example, young people do not necessarily have access to the other person’s reactions when they chat online, which can complicate communication. In addition, the digital sphere can give an impression of anonymity, when in reality everything young people do online leaves a trace. It can also be difficult for teens to recognize misinformation. Finding a balance in their screen use can also be a challenge for young people. In addition, sometimes people with malicious intentions come into contact with teens. Young people may also face cyberbullying (for more information on cyberbullying, see our fact sheet on the subject).

Citizenship in the digital age: a skill to be developed.

The digital world can therefore be a source of concern for parents. Some parents ask themselves questions such as:

• What content is my child viewing on the web?
• What information are they sharing?
• Who are the people my child is talking to on the internet?
• Is my teenager witnessing or experiencing cyberbullying?

These questions are entirely legitimate. But rest assured! As a parent, you can help your teenager develop their digital citizenship skills. Digital citizenship refers to several skills, including the ability to:

• Behave respectfully online, both towards other internet users and the content they view. Indeed, it is important to respect copyright and intellectual property rights for tools available on the web!
• Protect personal information, particularly by recognizing various types of fraud and controlling applications’ access to data.
• Use critical judgment when it comes to information presented on the web in order to recognize misinformation.
• Use screens in a balanced way for physical and psychological well-being.

The next section offers some suggestions to help you support your teenager’s citizenship development in the digital age.