Our children were already spending a lot of time online, and with online learning and shelter-at-home requirements, are probably spending a lot more now. Facebook has created a new collection of resources to support families, youth, and educators as they help children navigate online. The aim of Get Digital is to start conversations with children about digital citizenship and well-being.

The youth program has online activities, while the educator program provides lesson plans on key issues, and the family programprovides conversation starters and family activities. All three programs are built around five pillars:

  • Digital Foundations: The basic online safety skills like choosing a secure WiFi connection, creating a strong password, and recognizing secure websites.
  • Digital Wellness: How to look after the emotional and digital well-being, including limiting your screen time, considering what you share and post, and developing resilience to deal with that you see online.
  • Digital Engagement: Building healthy relationships both online and offline, ensuring that what you post is true, and being empathetic to others online.
  • Digital Empowerment: How to research issues and to advocate for positive change using online resources and tools.
  • Digital Opportunities: Building your digital skills to prepare for future careers.

Each pillar has conversation starters on key topics, parent activities to help get the discussion going with your child, definitions for fundamental terms, and a downloadable PDF parent pack. Start a Get Digital conversation with your child today.