The online world doesn't always feel like a very positive place. 

You might also feel like you have no control over it. This isn’t true.

We all have the power to affect the digital world, even if it's just a little bit, every day. You could think about it like doing your bit for climate change. We can’t all be Greta Thunberg, but we can still do our recycling or pick up a bit of litter in the street.

It can be the same with the stuff you do online.

Digital citizenship isn’t about thinking everything can and will be super happy or perfect online – because it’s not.

It is about making the most of the everyday things you do online. Live your best life, encourage others, and help yourself to stay away from the bad stuff.

Your social media is a good place to start. Most social media is expertly designed to feed you more of what you interact with.

So, if you 'like' and engage with the good stuff – the positive content – and avoid or block negative content, you’ll probably end up seeing more of the good stuff. And vice versa. It can be a choice.

By doing this, we’ll all be contributing to making online spaces more positive, and safer, too.

#1 – Showcase

Whether it's a cooking hack you've learned on TikTok, a trophy from your child's sports competition, or just a great podcast you've discovered, try to take a few minutes each week to showcase your skills and interests online. 

For example, at the start of every weekend, maybe set yourself the challenge of posting one highlight from the week just gone. 

This isn't showing off. Just celebrate the little wins – no matter how small they feel. 

#2 – Reach out 

Try sending a positive message to someone.

It might be as simple as a DM or WhatsApp to a friend. It could even be commenting on a celeb's post (one who's in a TV series that you've been bingeing lately). However, you want to do it, spread the positivity!

#3 – Have a chat

Children are no strangers to being online. It's how they communicate and play with friends, get their information (or, misinformation, unfortunately) and do more of what they're interested in.

Once a day, try asking your child about something they've seen or enjoyed online. This can be anything: a meme, a fact, a video, or just a random act of kindness they've seen. 

Showing interest will let your child know you value their online life and that they can speak to you about it. Hopefully, it'll be the positive stuff – but, importantly, it may be the negative stuff too. 

Everyday Digital from Parent Zone builds simple but effective habits that make you feel more confident and in control of whatever your family does online.

Sharing isn’t always caring – to look after your data online.

Be streetwise – to better understand the content and the places you go online.

Read between the lines – how to avoid mis- and disinformation.

Back in the real world – being aware of the consequences in the real world.
 

If you want advice on specific platforms or other topics covered in this article, visit the Parent Zone Library.

Sign up to the Parent Zone Local newsletter

Get updates on the latest news, events and resources.

This article was last updated on 04.10.23.

Supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) media literacy taskforce fund.