How to Teach Your Kids Digital Literacy — A Psychologist’s Advice

Today’s kids grow up surrounded by screens, apps, and online content. Because of this, digital literacy — the ability to understand, evaluate and use digital tools and information wisely — is one of the most important skills parents can help their children develop.

Here are expert-recommended strategies for raising digitally literate kids:

1. Establish Screen-Free Times and Places

Designate predictable moments and areas where devices aren’t used — for example, during family meals, in bedrooms at night, or after a set hour in the evening. These boundaries support healthier sleep, minimize arguments about screens, and show kids that technology doesn’t have to dominate every moment. Rules stick best when adults follow them too.

2. Explain How Apps and Platforms Work

Have honest conversations about how social media and digital apps are built — including how they earn money and why feeds seem so “sticky.” Breaking down algorithms and design choices helps children recognize when they’re being influenced, giving them more control over their habits.

3. Don’t Let Likes Define Self-Worth

Talk with your child about what likes, followers, and comments really mean. Make clear that these numbers don’t equal personal value or popularity. Point out that engagement can even be bought or curated, and encourage them to notice how certain feedback makes them feel. Reinforce that real-life relationships and personal qualities matter more than online metrics.

4. Build Critical Thinking About Online Content

When you’re browsing together, ask questions like, Who created this? Is this trying to sell me something? Is it edited? These kinds of prompts help kids learn to question what they see instead of taking everything at face value — a key part of thoughtful digital engagement.

5. Check In About Their Feelings

Encourage kids to notice how they feel before, during, and after using apps or social platforms. Do certain interactions leave them uplifted or drained? Recognizing emotional patterns linked to digital use is an important part of their media awareness and overall well-being.

6. Go Over Safety and Privacy Basics

Teach them not to share personal details — like full names, school information, locations, or private photos — without permission. Walk through the privacy settings on their apps together, and explain that even “deleted” content can be saved or shared by others. A simple guideline like, “If it wouldn’t be okay on a billboard, don’t post it,” can be helpful.

7. Practice How to Handle Tough Situations

Role-play scenarios they might encounter online, such as seeing bullying, getting inappropriate messages, or feeling pressured to send something uncomfortable. Giving them simple responses to use — like, “I’m logging off,” or “I’m not okay with that,” — makes them more likely to act confidently if a problem arises.

8. Keep Communication Supportive, Not Punitive

Make it clear that you’re available to talk about mistakes or concerning experiences without fear of instant punishment. When kids trust they won’t be shut down for speaking up, they’re far more likely to come forward if something goes wrong — which keeps them safer over the long run.