In today’s society, digital literacy is a fundamental competence. In a world where young people handle digital tools from a very early age, parents and caregivers must know and master these resources, not only to guide the youngest in the proper use of technology, but also to protect them from the dangers of the digital environment. This literacy is a crucial challenge that, from a Catholic perspective, calls for forming critical and ethical users, capable of living their faith also in the virtual world.
Why is digital literacy so urgent?
Technology is advancing rapidly and young people are immersed in digital environments almost naturally. However, adults face difficulties in understanding this constantly changing ecosystem, which hampers their ability to accompany minors. Digital literacy thus becomes an urgent necessity:
- Allows accompanying digital learning: Parents can offer guidance and useful resources so that digital learning and entertainment are carried out in a safe and constructive way.
- Facilitates protection against risks: With the right knowledge, parents can detect threats such as cyberbullying or access to inappropriate content, preventing children from falling into risky situations.
In this context, specialists in education and digital ethics stress the importance not only of teaching practical skills, but also of instilling principles and values that enable young people to act responsibly and carefully in the digital world.
The Church’s Position and Evangelization in the Digital Environment
The Catholic Church sees digital media as an opportunity for the evangelizing mission. Pope Francis, in his messages on communication and technology, has insisted on the need to use these media with charity and truth, and that we are all responsible for generating a communication environment that reflects Christian values. In one of his messages on social communication, he stressed the importance of digital communication “being truly human” and communion-oriented.
At the same time, initiatives such as those of digital evangelizers have taken advantage of platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to transmit messages of faith, bringing evangelization to the networks where young people are found.
The two pillars of digital literacy: practical knowledge and ethical discernment.
For digital literacy to be truly effective, it is critical that parents and caregivers develop both practical skills and a sense of ethical discernment.
- Practical knowledge: This involves becoming familiar with the tools and platforms that young people use, from social networks to entertainment applications. Learning how to configure parental controls and understand the privacy policies of each platform is basic to accompany them in the safe use of technology.
- Ethical discernment: From a Catholic perspective, it is essential that parents guide their children in making responsible digital decisions, encouraging respectful communication and an authentic presence on networks.
Parents seeking to improve their digital literacy can find support from specialized organizations and Catholic digital evangelization projects, such as online courses, tutorials and awareness programs.
Digital literacy is an imperative for today’s parents and caregivers. Knowing and understanding the digital environment, from its opportunities to its risks, will enable adults to better accompany young people as they grow. As Pope Francis expresses, “let us walk together in a network of true relationships,” where each person feels heard and valued. Thus, this responsibility becomes a true mission of love and service, helping young people live their faith and values in all aspects of their lives, including the digital world.
S. Iria Natalia Agreda Abreu