Practising Kindness in the Digital Age

In this digital age, the anonymity of social media can inevitably cause us to interact with lesser thought and mindfulness. When we cannot see physical cues like a person’s hurt expression or body language, it reduces the perceived impact of our words. This anonymity and distance can embolden people to act differently than they would face-to-face, fostering a sense of impunity and leading them to believe they can get away with negative or aggressive behaviour [1].  

While this might be the case with the increasing trolls and negativity present on social media today, it does not have to remain the same. As parents, keeping our kids safe online is crucial, but teaching them how to be kind online is just as important. By teaching our children to treat others with respect online, we empower them to help cultivate a healthier, safer social media space for everyone.  

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL MEDIA USE   

Consider digital consequences: Youths often live in the moment, making it crucial to remind them of the permanence of their digital choices. Encourage our children to think critically before posting by helping them understand the permanence of a digital footprint and the lasting impact their content can have on themselves and others. Explain that content online is rarely truly deleted; once they hit "share," they relinquish ownership. Anyone can screenshot, download, or misinterpret their posts.   

Have open conversations: It’s essential to engage your child in open, positive conversations about digital use and adopt a curious mind to find out what they are thinking and doing online. Create a safe space for your child and assure them that if they ever feel confused, uneasy, worried or threatened at any point in what they encounter online, they are free to approach you for help, without being reprimanded or judged for their actions.      

Spot teachable moments: Parents can use real-world examples, such as highlighting videos or online incidents involving kind or unkind behaviour. This allows you to discuss with your child what went well or explore how a poor online reaction could have been handled better. Over time, these small, everyday conversations build the critical judgment and empathy children need to navigate digital spaces with greater awareness and responsibility.  

Be a role model: Parents can also model kindness in everyday situations and intentionally translate those values to the digital world, especially when children are young and under supervised access. Children learn more from what we do than what we say. Learn to model healthy tech habits yourself, such as putting your phone away during meals or responding to others in a kind and respectful manner both online and offline.  

Manage negativity online: When faced with negativity online, teach your child to resist the urge to retaliate but respond calmly and respectfully instead. This may encourage the other person to reflect upon their actions and respond differently. Additionally, remind them that they have full control over their digital space; they do not have to tolerate and endure negative comments. Equip them to make use of tools like privacy settings, mute functions, and reporting tools on various platforms.     

TOUCH Cyber Wellness (TCW) is an award-winning and leading pioneer in the field of cyber wellness and new media literacy. It has spearheaded efforts to reach out to 360 schools and more than 1.6 million children, youths, parents, educators and counsellors. Through mentoring and advocacy, TCW has engaged Singapore youths to address social and behavioural issues of excessive cyber usage. It delivers a range of pre and post intervention programmes that instil the principles of good digital citizenship in the community.     

Sources 
1.  “How does anonymity affect behaviour”, 1 Aug. 2024, https://extractalpha.com/2024/08/01/how-does-anonymity-affect-behavior/