As our kids grow, so does their online fluency. Here are some tips for working digital literacy while they're in school.
New transitions sometimes bring new schools and friends. Enter middle school. Tweens are constantly navigating digital dilemmas. As your middle schooler becomes a more confident internet user, it’s important to continue having conversations about online safety and privacy.
So, what do we need to know about kids online today? Well, one thing is for sure: as our kids grow over the summer, so does their online fluency. The big digital choices that come with each milestone mean the back to school is the perfect time to talk about online safety. Here are seven tips for working digital literacy into your back to school plans this year.
1. Talk about social media—beyond the big names
Middle school is when lots of kids get access to social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord require users to be at least 13 years of age, so 11 and 12-year-olds are going to want to get on there with their older friends, too. And, of course, other social media players, like BeReal and Threads, may come in and make their bid for people’s attention.
That means it’s time to start having conversations about sharing sensitive information and the risks of interacting with strangers online—even if they think they know and trust the person they’re talking to. These conversations can be awkward, but think of it as another “talk” that your child needs in order to be safe in the world.
But as a parent, the best move isn’t to tell your teen, “Don’t go into these adult rooms! They’re not for you!” Psychotherapist and author Catherine Knibbs—who works with clients who have experienced trauma online—suggests asking kids questions that help promote critical thinking about what’s going on in different online spaces to help guide them to their own decision.
“Rather than saying ‘there are bad people out there online,’” Knibbs previously told Avast, “say something like, ‘Who are your friends online? How do you know they’re friends and not just someone you talk to? How do you know it’s a genuine person?’”
2. Talk about cyberbullying and AI-driven manipulation
Make sure to talk about kindness while you’re having these conversations about social media. When you're staring at a screen, it can be really hard to remember that there’s a person on the other side. Even grownups have a hard time with this!
So, it’s super important to remind your kids early and often that it’s important to communicate with people online the same way you’d speak to them in person—and that cyberbullying is never okay. You know what your family’s values are, and it’s important to underline them in the digital world, just as you would in the physical world.
Also, take into account that deepfake technology and AI-generated content are growing more sophisticated, meaning that it’s easier than ever for bad actors to manipulate images, videos, and even conversations. Talk to your kids about being cautious when engaging with content that doesn’t seem quite right. Teach them to recognize red flags in AI-generated scams or deepfake material, which could be used to bully or deceive them and others.
3. Keep on top of parental controls
You can also use parental controls at this age, but make sure you’re having open conversations about what you’re using and why. Middle schoolers are increasingly digitally savvy every day, so know that your tweens will likely figure out ways around any software that you install. That’s why the conversation part is so important: parental controls alone aren’t going to cut it at this age.
4. Set a digital schedule
Your tween will be online—that’s a given. Even in school, if they’re using a hybrid learning model. But you can help them figure out the right amount of time they should be online by working on creating a digital schedule with them. When is school time? When is play time? When is device-free time? By working collaboratively with your middle schooler on these limits, you’re less likely to face as much push back when it’s time to enforce them.
(Note: We did say less likely. They are still tweens, after all.)
5. Talk about passwords
Talk to your kids about strong passwords by sitting down and doing a password reset on all your major accounts at the beginning of the school year. Go beyond just resetting passwords—help your child enable MFA wherever possible and gamify it by competing to see who can come up with the most secure passphrases.
6. Get to know your browser
Browsers today do a lot more than just help you search. They play a huge role in determining what your middle schooler sees online, including personalized ads. Teaching your child about privacy settings on their browser is crucial.
Avast Secure Browser, for example, is focused heavily on privacy and security, with built-in features that hide and protect your personal info, prevent cybercriminals from stealing your data, and block ads for faster browsing and online learning. Go a step further by discussing the impact of AI-generated recommendations and how to block unwanted content.
7. Update your family's cybersecurity tools for an AI-powered world
AI is not only used for good, but also by cybercriminals—meaning that a robust cybersecurity setup is a must. It’s time to go beyond an antivirus with cybersecurity software like Avast One Platinum, that includes features such as identity protection and a VPN.
Ensure all your devices—phones, tablets, and computers—are running the latest versions of your cybersecurity software. Talk to your middle schooler about the importance of security updates, and make it a regular family activity to check your devices’ security settings.
Keep the conversation going
Back-to-school time is a perfect opportunity to not only buy school supplies, but also to ensure your middle schooler is equipped with the right digital tools and knowledge to stay safe online. By fostering open, thoughtful conversations and staying updated on the latest tech trends, you’re setting them up for success both in the classroom and the digital world.
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