Digital Ethics for Teenagers: How to Talk So They Listen Instead of Responding with Detachment?
The article discusses the importance of teaching digital ethics to teenagers by emphasizing the universal values of respect and responsibility in both online and offline environments.
The article features insights from J. Markeliūnė, a digital inclusion lead at Telia, who highlights that discussions about online ethics are becoming a vital part of modern education. Instead of creating separate rules, it's crucial to help teenagers understand that values apply universally, both on screen and off. This approach intends to make teenagers recognize the importance of integrity and respect regardless of the medium they are engaging with.
Markeliūnė explains that digital ethics is often misrepresented as merely a set of restrictions; however, it refers to the same principles of respect and responsibility that govern daily life. She states that to foster a more pleasant and fair internet space for everyone, individuals must adhere to fundamental communication principles of mutual respect—similar to how they interact in real life. Essentially, values do not exist as "offline" and "online" but serve as the foundation of our behavior across all contexts.
Teenagers are constantly exposed to extensive streams of information, including comments regarding appearance, behavior, public events, and famous personalities. The article reinforces that they will encounter both positive and negative comments, which shapes their perception of digital interactions. Thus, promoting healthy digital communication and ethical behavior online is vital to ensure that teenagers feel confident and responsible in their online engagements, contributing to a more respectful online community.