Tuesday, February 8, 2022, celebrates ‘Safer Internet Day’, which, given our increasing reliance on web connectivity, now acts as a critical reminder of the need for digital literacy, especially during the pandemic. The celebration ensures that everyone better understands how to stay safe and set boundaries in their time online.

Safety First

Marking the occasion, Messenger published this new decision tree graphic that was designed to help users understand their options when engaging in potentially unsafe conversations. That’s also one of the concerns in modern interaction, at least when done online, we can’t really immediately tell if the people we interact with are ‘trustworthy’. Besides the actual conversations we have, there are no other telltale signs that alert us to someone’s hidden malice.

On that note, Messenger says users should, as much as they can, observe the following:

  • Use the momentum behind occasions such as Safer Internet Day to revisit your app controls and settings, including any child-controls you might have set in place. These become doubly important as you might have missed installing an important update or two that further enhances the scope and capacities of these processes.

  • Review ‘Sleep Mode’ settings to establish healthy boundaries around the use of technology. Part of maintaining a healthy relationship with online behavior is setting aside dedicated time away from it.

  • Ensure your kids are learning how to use technology in a more positive and healthy way. Messenger cites tools like Pledge Planets, from Messenger Kids, that can help parents introduce these important conversations in a fun and engaging way.

Again, given our increasing reliance on online platforms for connection, digital literacy is essential as financial literacy is to maintaining one’s finances. It’s become a key consideration that all parents should take time to consider and impart on their kids, making both of them just a little more aware and guarded of the potential dangers that lurk in the shadows online.

The Wrap 

Occasions like this are less pronounced but merit more attention because the concerns and risks addressed pretty much grow more severe and evident with time. Just as how harmful actors and behavior evolve, so too must our knowledge and personal practices to counter such. Despite being a Messenger Kids update, the overarching message speaks to all users, especially to parents who have the responsibility to educate their children on safe online practices.

Unknowingly, we too might be putting ourselves more at risk by not observing some of these simple guidelines. Depending on where you are in the world, it might still be Safer Internet Day or it might have already passed. Still, the steps outlined here extend well beyond the occasion. Let’s make it a point to make everyday Safer Internet Day.

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Sources 

https://bit.ly/3B8HXih