Digital Skills

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Learning Package 5

Introduction

The Digital Skills learning package is for parents who wish to enrich their knowledge on Digital Parenting, Screen Time Excessive Exposure/Management, Accessible Technologies and Cyber Security. Through this package parents will be able to identify signs of excessive screen use and receive tips on how to mitigate its effect, while also learning to harness the full potential of digital technologies for their family.  In addition, they will learn how to recognise and prevent cyber-attacks for all the family.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

After going through the learning package, parents will be able to:

  • Describe the concept of Digital Parenting;
  • List the signs and effects of excessive screen time use;
  • Describe the benefits that technology can have on families;
  • Become aware of the ways that assistive technology can benefit the lives of children with disabilities and learning difficulties;
  • Define the terms Cyber Security, Malware and Phishing and list the different types of malware.

Skills

After the learning package, the parent should be able to:

  • Identify if their child is being exposed to excessive screen use;
  • Apply solutions on how to manage their child’s screen time;
  • Use technology to improve their child’s development ;
  • Create strong passwords;
  • Recognise and prevent cyber security attacks.

Scene Setter

Sometimes my children prefer to spend time on technology instead of sitting down with me to have a talk – Parent (S4P focus group)

Stop for a second and look away from this screen right now. Take a look at the people around you. Whether you are at a restaurant, on a bus, at home or in a park. The chances are that most of the people you can see are staring at a screen on some kind of device.

With the fast development of information and communication technology the number of internet and digital devices users is increasing by the minute. According to the Digital 2020 April Global Statshot Report [1] , between April 2019 and April 2020, internet users around the world increased by 301 million and social media users increased by 304 million. This means that in April 2020 there were 4.57 billion internet users and 3.81 billion social media users globally. There is no doubt that these numbers have risen since the beginning of the pandemic (COVID-19) and will continue to increase in the future. As a result, the age that our children are being introduced to the Internet and digital devices is getting lower and lower.

We kind of immerse children in technology, starting at about four months of age typically in the United States, and for a variety of reasons young children are especially vulnerable to the lure and the addictive properties of touch-screen devices
–Dimitri Christakis, director of the Centre for Child Health, Behaviour and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Children born in the 21st century are considered “digital natives” and are able to adapt to the digital world, shortly after their birth, and grow up considering the internet and digital devices as vital elements of their lives. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can bring about many benefits fo a child’s development, however, parents need to be aware of the various physiological and psychological risks that come with excessive and uncontrolled technology exposure. Excessive and constant exposure to technology from an early age, can lead to health problems such as vision and posture issues, as well as mental/behavioural issues like screen dependence, depression and isolation. The necessity of protecting children from such risks has developed the concept of Digital Parenting.

We, as parents, are not able to monitor what our children are watching, or with whom they have communication through social media, or what they read on the internet.
– Parent (S4P focus group)

So what is Digital Parenting essentially? Digital Parenting requires parents to be able to use information technologies and the Internet proficiently, to be aware of the risks and challenges of ICT and to provide a safe and healthy cyber environment for their children by maintaining constant communication with them[2]. It is crucial for parents to be aware that their children are likely to reproduce what they are doing in terms of ICT use and habits as children tend to imitate them especially during their early development years. As mentioned in the UNICEF report The State of the World Children: Children in a Digital World (2017), parents of the 21st century should be responsible and respectful ICT users themselves and not only be more proficient and aware of risks in ICT use than their children, but also stay up-to-date with new tools and trends in order to prevent the development of a digital divide between parent and child.

Source: Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels  

It is important to have in mind that during the Covid-19 pandemic, over 1.5 billion children had to use the Internet and their digital devices a lot more as digital education became the new reality and outdoor activities were very limited. This has put children at higher risk of screen dependence, online exploitation and cyberbullying. Taking this into account, it is crystal clear that improving parents’ digital skills has become essential and digital parenting should be considered a life-long effort.

Parents are aware that technology can be dangerous, but they do not know what the dangers are.
– Adult educator (S4P focus group)

[1] Digital 2020 April Global Statshot Report. (2020). https://wearesocial.com/us/blog/2020/04/digital-around-the-world-in-april-2020/
[2] Tosun, N., & Mihci, C. (2020). An Examination of Digital Parenting Behavior in Parents with Preschool Children in the Context of Lifelong Learning. Sustainability, 12(18), 7654. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187654 

Futher reading:

Glossary:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT): refers to all communication technologies, including the internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services enabling users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form.

Digital natives:  A digital native is an individual who was born after the widespread adoption of digital technology. Their exposure to technology in the early years is believed to give digital natives a greater familiarity with understanding of technology than people who were born before it was widespread.

Digital Parenting: Digital parenting describes parental efforts and practices for comprehending, supporting, and regulating children’s activities in digital environments.

Digital Divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between demographics (populations?) and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don’t.

Online exploitation: Online exploitation is when someone online uses their power to make a child do sexual or criminal things, either online or offline.

Cyberbullying: The act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously.

Concrete Applications

Nikita’s story:

Nikita is a digital marketer and has been working from home since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Being in front of a screen for so long has caused her sleeping problems and reoccurring headaches. She is a single mother of a 9-year-old boy and a 14-year-old teenage girl. She constantly finds herself policing her children’s screen time “Put down your phone”, “Turn off your laptop”, “Enough video-games for today”. Her children are always trying to explain themselves “I am doing my homework online”, “I am talking to my friends”, “This is how I like to relax after school”, “You are overreacting”. It is not so easy for her children to listen to her since she also spends a lot of time on her phone either doing work or organising family activities, as well as to unwind and connect with friends. Lately she has noticed that her teenage daughter has isolated herself by spending hours alone in her room using her laptop. Her son’s teacher has told her that he has no interest in developing relationships with his peers. The family is exhausted with continuously negotiating screen time. Nikita just wants to do her best at raising her children and wants them to have a balanced screen use.

There is no doubt that many of us can identify with Nikita’s story. We all know the feeling of staring at the screen and not being able to stop. Our digital screen devices are literally becoming an extension of our bodies as they dictate how we do business, how we interact with each other and how we manage each aspect of our lives online.

Screen time is a term used for the time spent and activities done in front of a screen, such as watching TV, working on a computer, playing video games, watching videos on a tablet, browsing social media on your smartphone or chatting and playing online games[3].

Source: Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels

Parents are worried about the amount of time that their children spend on the internet and in front of a screen especially because they have great difficulty keeping them away from them just like Nikita. Well, they are right to worry since research has shown that on average children aged 8-12 years old in the USA spend 4-6 hours a day in front of a screen, whereas, teens spend an alarming 9 hours a day [4]. Many of these children, and especially teens, are experiencing difficulties in stopping themselves from using their devices even for short periods of time. This dependent behaviour can be described as Screen Time Addiction.

Going back to Nikita’s situation we can see that technology and especially excessive screen time can negatively affect both adults and children’s mental and physical wellbeing. Have a look at the following signs that might help you identify if your child is using screens excessively [5] [6]:

Behavioral Signs

Physical Signs

Inability to control screen use

Headaches

Loss of interest in the world beyond screen engagement.  The only thing that motivates your child is spending time on a laptop or a tablet.

Back pain

 Increased social isolation due to spending time on the internet and digital devices.

Changes in body weight (weight gain or loss)

Excessive changes in behaviour like irritability and agitation especially during “screen-free” times.

Blurry/strained vision

Using screen devices as a mood booster.  If your child is upset and needs a TV show, an online game or any other screen type engagement to feel better or offer an escape.

 Sleep problems

Euphoria when using digital devices and the Internet

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Lying about screen use. E.g.  Sneaking a tablet into bed at night or lying about how long they’ve been playing a video game

Inability to maintain schedules

Decline in academic performance due to screen use

Underdeveloped interpersonal skills. When a child has difficulty or is not interested in socialising with peers and family members.

Source: Pixabay

Long term effects of excessive Screen Time on children’s lives [7], [8]:

– Obesity: spending too much time playing video games or watching TV, can be a risk factor for obesity. Heart health is also impacted and can lead to a higher risk of diabetes, increased blood pressure or cholesterol.
– Tip: To minimise this risk you can try and provide your children with healthy snacks, instead of sweets or junk food, while they are using screens.

– Loss of cognitive ability: Too much screen time can shrink the grey matter in children’s brain. This results in poorer concentration, weaker memory, slower information processing and weaker impulse control.

– Impaired socializing skills: Using digital devices does not include real-life interactions. Excessive screen use can lead to anti-social behaviour and feelings of withdrawal. Ultimately, this will make it hard for children to forms personal relationships in the future.

– Depression and anxiety: All the time spent in front of screens can negatively affect children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. As the time children spent online increases, so does the risk of them being victims of cyberbullying. There is also a higher risk of them developing self-image issues and insecurities as social media presents them with unrealistic standards and makes them feel that they are not enough.

– Weakened emotional judgement: Too much screen time also affects children’s ability to register and process emotions. Being exposed to violent media content can increase aggression levels, especially in younger children and teenagers.

Non-Screen Activities you can do as a family [9]:

Suggestion: You can use these activities and try to think of more with your children. Then you can print and cut up the activities and place them in an activity jar. Each time you run out of inspiration of ways to spend your screen-free time you can pick an idea from the jar and do the activity with your family.

[3]Screen time and children. (2021). U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000355.htm
[4] The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2020, February). Screen Time and Children. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
[5] Computer/Internet Addiction Symptoms, Causes and Effects. (2021). PsychGuides.Com. https://www.psychguides.com/behavioral-disorders/computer-internet-addiction/
[6] Idem
[7] Screen Addiction Affects Physical and Mental Health. (2019, December 5). Premier Health. https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/health-topics/screen-addiction-affects-physical-and-mental-health
[8] The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2020, February). Screen Time and Children. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
[9] Mosley, A. (2021, July 12). The Negative Effects of Screen Time for Adults and Children. Blog – Valleywise Health. https://blog.valleywisehealth.org/negative-effect-of-screen-time-adults-children/

During the previous section we have explored the dangers that may rise from excessive screen use. However, it is crucial to stress that technology and screen use can bring about many benefits to both adults and children’s lives if used moderately and appropriately. Undoubtedly, the Internet has provided families with options and opportunities that did not exist a decade ago. For instance, family communication has significantly improved as the Internet allows for people to get in touch at any time and any place. 

Read Liam’s case to look at some examples of how technology can benefit families.

Liam’s story:

Liam has a 14-year-old and 10-year-old who attend a school that uses e-mail and ICT tools that help him keep them on track even though he works from 9 to 5, six days a week. Through the school website he gets informed about their homework, important events at school, and even the choices of food served each day. When his children are sick and have to stay at home, he communicates with their teachers to help them stay on top of their work. All their assignments are uploaded online on the school platform together with a short recording of the teacher explaining what they need to do. Last year they had to travel abroad to visit an ill family member for a week and the children had the chance to participate in the school classes online.. If digital technology did not exist, this would not have been possible!

More benefits of technology that families can experience:

  • Work-Life balance: For some people, work used to mean hours and hours of commuting. With digital technology more and more parents are starting to work from home which allows them to spend more time with their children and save time as well as huge amounts of money a year on transportation and childcare costs.
  • Household management: Improvement of household management by using the Internet for banking, shopping, and paying bills. You can also use mobile apps to help track budgets and manage family schedules.(https://famisafe.wondershare.com/family/best-family-organizer-apps.html)
  • Reinforce family ties: Families can use technology to strengthen and maintain relationships with grandparents and other relatives who may live far away or abroad. Parents and children can keep each other updated instantly through email and various social media networks.
  • Connecting with your child’s world: you are struggling to get your child/teen to open up about their lives, social media accounts can give you an insight into their friends, places, music or even events that they like, and technology can be used for leisure time together such as video making or gaming.
  • Education: Through online teaching and learning, students can receive personal attention from their teachers, and parents get the opportunity to track the progress of their children as we saw in Liam’s case. Additionally, distance learning provides working parents with the opportunity to pursue college degrees.

Technology has contributed to removing some barriers that people with disabilities face in regard to communication. Adaptive and assistive technology enables people with hearing, speech, vision and mobility impairments to better communicate with family members, go to school and work.

Accessibility & Technology:

Assan’s story:

Assan is an 8-year-old boy who is obsessed with films. Although he is almost blind, he uses a TV with image recognition software which produces audio descriptions of his favourite movies. Therefore, he is able to watch any movie he likes. Assan’s grandma loves to watch movies with him. She has a hearing impairment as she is in her late eighties. To watch TV, she turns on the automatic real time transcription feature which places subtitles of what is said on the screen. Last weekend Assan stayed over at his grandma’s house and they decided to watch the movie “Lord of the Rings”. They searched for the movie on the TV’s streaming service, got comfortable on the couch, grandma watched the movie by reading the transcripts and Malcom used his Bluetooth earpiece to listen the audio description.   

Although Assan and his grandma have 2 different types of disabilities, thanks to technology, they were able to watch the same film simultaneously.

Be My Eyes App [10]: uses video chat to connect blind individuals to sighted volunteers through their mobile devices. If a blind person needs help with a particular task, they can connect with a seeing person to ask for help. For example, if they need to know the expiration date on a milk carton, they can connect with a seeing person through live video chat to help them read the date.

Watch this video to get an insight in how assistive technology helps Brody with his learning disabilities: Video: Assistive Technology in Action – Meet Brody: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6i5CtPoGh0

[10] Be my eyes https://www.bemyeyes.com/

Ways in Which Quality Screen Use Can Benefit children:

In the previous chapter we explored how excessive screen use can affect your child’s mental and social development in a negative way. Now we are going to look at how a balanced and quality use of screens and ICT can actually contribute to your child’s development:

  • A number of apps and computer games are available to enhance reading and phonics skills or even help your child learn a second language. (Reading &Writing apps: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs/s/reading%20%26%20writing )
  • Video games require different skills and help increase your child’s hand/eye coordination.
  • Various apps and games can help your child learn numbers, shapes, or improve their skills in more advanced mathematics. (Math apps: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs/s/math)
  • Blogs, websites, and social media networks can help your child develop social skills by allowing them to communicate easily with family and peers from all different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Different apps and games can teach your child skills such as problem-solving, strategy, and critical thinking that are essential to academic success.
  • Gaming teaches kids skills such as focusing and paying attention to detail, and also allows them to socialise and make friends with gamers in other countries.
  • The majority of games and apps require the user to complete one level before being allowed to move on to the next. This can help teach your child the value of persistence, competition, and motivation.
  • Through the internet children may discover an interest in a subject such as languages or geography through an online video or game and go on to do research into the subject. In this way your child may develop unexpected interests and talents that may lead them to their future career.

Source : Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Of course, there are certain risks involved with constant screen exposure, however, technology and the internet provides families with endless possibilities and opportunities for fun, safe and balanced digital parenting.

 Remember: The internet and technologies are here to stay and will continue to become more and more integrated into our lives. By understanding technology and engaging with your children online, you can help them avoid potential pitfalls while enjoying all the advantages that the digital world has to offer.

Nowadays, the internet and digital devices are becoming more present in our lives as families are relying on technology to keep their children educated and entertained. Parents need to be aware that the internet can place them and their children in dangerous situations whether it has to do with finances or exposure of their private lives. For example, they might accidentally expose their families to internet threats by downloading a virus or malware that will give hackers access to bank accounts, photos or any other type of sensitive information. This is why it is crucial for parents to become educated on cyber security first, and then transfer their knowledge to their children.

Cyber security is defined as “the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks.” [11]

So what is the first step you can do to keep your digital devices secure? To prevent anyone from getting into your devices and accounts you should set up a strong password. A good piece of advice is to create different passwords on each of your accounts and devices.

 

Malware is one of the most common cyber threats out there. In simple words, it is a type of software used by hackers to invade other people’s computers and steal information or money. This type of software is mainly transferred through unwanted email attachments. Sometimes it can also be disguised as legitimate-looking downloadable software. [12]

What is Malware?

Main types of Malware:

  • Virus: gains access to our system by hiding in downloaded files or portable storage devices, such as flash drives. Once they get into the system, they start to spread. Their purpose is to modify, corrupt or destroy files and to cause your device’s systems to break down.
  • Trojan horse: A malicious software that uses a disguise to hide its true purpose. Hackers trick users into uploading Trojans onto their computer so that they can cause damage or collect data.
  • Spyware: A malware that secretly records what you do, so that hackers can make use of your financial or personal information. It can be downloaded through pop-up windows or opening an email and an attachment.
  • Adware: Advertising software (pop-up advertisements). Most often they collect data and information in order to target you with customized adverts.
 

Phishing is a type of threat from emails, texts or calls. A phisher attacker impersonates a legitimate organisation or a person and they try to get the victim to reveal personal information, such as bank details, passwords or credit/debit card numbers. Phishing emails usually come in the form of spam messages and contain email attachments. 

Source: Pixabay

What is Phishing?

A phishing email might include [13]:

  • Grammar and Spelling Errors
  • Inconsistencies in Email Addresses, Links & Domain Names
  • Threats or a Sense of Urgency
  • Suspicious Attachments
  • Unusual Requests (credentials, payment information or other personal details)
  • Request to click on a link to make a payment
  • A coupon for free products

Video: What Is Phishing and How to Avoid the Bait: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsOWczwRVuc

 
[11] Kaspersky. (2021, April 26). What is Cyber Security? Www.Kaspersky.Com. https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-cyber-security
[12]What is malware? Definition, types, affected industries, protection. (2021, June 21). Myra. https://www.myrasecurity.com/en/what-is-malware/
[13]How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams. (2021, July 1). Consumer Information. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams

Screen-Time Management Tips [14]

  • Use parental controls: There are various tools you can use to filter or block unwanted content from getting to your children. You can also set daily screen time limits that can lock your children out of apps after they have reached a certain amount of time.
  • Set screen-free zones: remove TVs and laptops from your children’s bedrooms and establish an agreement with your children to not use any kind of digital device in their bedrooms. You can also apply the same rule during meals or homework time.
  • Encourage other activities that do not require a screen such as playing outside, reading a book or playing a board game. Take time to unplug from tech as a family. Scroll down to the next section to get some activity ideas.
  • Use technology to decrease your family’s screen time. Look for apps that encourage and complement physical activity. There are productivity apps like Forest that help you and your family minimise your screen use. The purpose of the app is to keep you from using your phone. By not using your phone you can grow virtual trees and gain credits. With the credits you can pay to plant real trees all over the world, this can be a fun challenge to take on!
  • Use night settings: some phones have blue light filters to help reduce the amount of blue light given off by the screen during night-time hours which may help children sleep.
  • Switch off notifications on your child’s phone to decrease the distraction while doing other activities.
  • Turn off autoplay on the platforms they use to help them self-regulate how long they spend on certain apps.
  • Create your own family media use plan based on your family values and parenting style to achieve a good balance of technology and screen use. Set digital rules as a family to maintain a healthy and appropriate use of media without missing out on face-to-face and outdoor activities.
  • Treat digital environments as you would any other environment in your child’s life. Get to know your child’s online friends, what platforms, websites and apps they use and why they enjoy spending time online.
  • Make screen time a family activity. Engage with your children when they are using screens. Play an online game together, watch their favourite YouTuber, or ask them about their latest post. 
  • Do not use screens as an emotional pacifier. It is very tempting to use technology to keep your child quiet and entertained, however, keep in mind that this can lead to excessive screen use which can have serious effects on your child’s health and behaviour.
  • Model healthy screen use: Children tend to do what their parents do and not what they say. As we saw in Nikita’s story, she was doing the same thing as her children so it was hard for them to listen to her and stop using their devises. Parents should be conscious that children tend to copy their behaviour in term of screen use. So start to model the behaviour that you would like to see in them. The next time you binge-watch your favourite Netflix series, remember that you are setting an example for your children. Check the article (in the additional resources below) on conversations to have with your children on screen time.

Source: Photo by Jessica Lynn Lewis from Pexels.

Have a look at the following table developed by The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry regarding the ideal amount of screen time by age. It is important to keep in mind that the following information is indicative and you should not automatically worry if your child exceeds the suggested amount of screen time. Also, keep in mind that it is not always about quantity, it is also about quality and that technology can bring about many benefits to your child’s development if used appropriately[15]. However, it is a good idea to use these guidelines for reference while trying to keep a balance of healthy screen time to avoid negative long term effects of excessive screen use, for example when developing a family media plan.

Tips to protect yourself from Malware [16]

  • Keep your computer and software updated: updates often include fixes that can improve the security of your system and prevent malware attacks.
  • Use antivirus software: Antivirus software allows you to scan your entire computer for malware. It’s a good idea to run regular scans to catch malware early and prevent it from spreading.
  • Limit your file sharing: Many sites and applications allow you to easily share files with other users. Keep in mind that such sites and applications offer little protection against malware.
  • Do not trust pop-up windows that ask you to download software. Simply close the pop-up window and make sure you do nott click inside it.
  • Think twice before opening email attachments. Be wary if a random person sends you an unusual email which contains attachments or images. Sometimes, those emails might just be spam, but other times, those emails might secretly contain harmful malware.
  • Back up your computer by using an external hard drive, an online backup service, or cloud storage.
  • Use a strong password
  • Use a pop-up blocker (https://adblockplus.org/) An easy way to block ads is via opening your browser -> tap Settings on the right side -> Site Settings -> Pop-ups -> tap disable popups.

Cybersecurity Tips

  • Teach your children about the importance of privacy and the dangers of the internet. Talk about what information is and is not appropriate to share (home address, passwords, or the school they attend).
  • Create strong passwords and encourage your children to do the same.
  • Make restricting privacy settings a habit. Ensure that privacy settings are at maximum levels on all devices that your child uses. Turn off GPS or Bluetooth on your devices and disable the microphone and camera on laptops or cover it with tape.
  • Keep the computer up-to-date with the latest antivirus and antimalware software. Use browser plugins like Adblock Plus and remind your children to think twice before they click on popup windows and suspicious emails.
  • Teach your children that what they post on the Internet is not always private. Remind them to be aware of their digital identity and that what they post can become permanent and affect them in the future.
  • Open communication is key. Build a trustful relationship with you children so they feel safe to inform you about suspicious or uncomfortable online interactions.
  • Reach out for support. Check out national helplines on the Better Internet for Kids website created by the European Schoolnet (https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/en-GB/).

Source: Pixabay

Remember: Media and digital devices are a fundamental part of our world today. If used moderately and appropriately, their benefits can enhance both parents and children’s daily life.

[14] Mosley, A. (2021, July 12). The Negative Effects of Screen Time for Adults and Children. Blog – Valleywise Health. https://blog.valleywisehealth.org/negative-effect-of-screen-time-adults-children/ 
https://blog.valleywisehealth.org/negative-effect-of-screen-time-adults-children/
[15] Joint digital family activities can create a strong sense of ‘we-ness’ among family members which promotes family cohesion. See DigiGen 2020 Working Paper Children’s ICT use and its impact on family life
[16] Kaspersky. (2021a, January 13). Learn about malware and how to protect all your devices against it. Www.Kaspersky.Com. https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/what-is-malware-and-how-to-protect-against-it

Accessibility: The “ability to access” and benefit from some system or entity. In other words, making things accessible to all people (whether they have a disability or not).

Assistive technology: Any object or system that increases or maintains the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Adaptive technology: Any object or system that is specifically designed for the purpose of increasing or maintaining the capabilities of people with disabilities

Cyber security: The practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks

Screen time addiction: The compulsive use of screen devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and videogames, to the point of not having the ability to stop. Although, screen addiction has not been listed as an official condition yet, some experts explain that the prolonged use of screens can act as a digital drug to humans’ brains. When using a screen, dopamine is released in the brain which can have a negative effect on our impulse control. Similar to drugs, screen time sets off a pleasure/reward cycle by affecting the frontal cortex of our brain which is highly addictive and can impose a number of negative effects in our and our children’s lives.

Dopamine:  A chemical produced in our brains that makes us feel pleasure.

Frontal cortex:  The part of the brain that helps people set and achieve goals. It is responsible for decision making, personality expression and social behaviour.

Interpersonal skills: The skills that help you communicate or interact well with other people

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand. It is caused by repetitive motions, like typing, or any wrist movements that you do over and over.

Grey matter: The greyish tissue of the brain that enables people to control movement, memory, and emotions.

Software: The programmes and other operating information used by a computer

Malware: (malicious software): A type of software used by hackers to invade other people’s computers and steal information or money. Often transferred through email attachments or downloadable software.

Hacker: A person who uses computers to gain unauthorised access to data

Pop up window:  A type of window that opens without the user selecting “New Window” from a program’s File menu.

External hard drive: A piece of equipment that can be connected to your computer to increase its storage space.

Cloud storage: A cloud computing model that stores data on the Internet through a cloud computing provider who manages and operates data storage as a service.

Adaptive technology: Any object or system that is specifically designed for the purpose of increasing or maintaining the capabilities of people with disabilities

Self-Assessment

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Digital Skills - Self Assessment

Quiz to test learning outcomes of the package.

1 / 10

“Digital natives” are able to adapt into the digital world, shortly after their birth, and grow up considering the internet and digital devices as vital elements of their lives.

2 / 10

Digital Parenting requires parents to:

3 / 10

 

Excessive screen use is a rare phenomenon. 

4 / 10

What is the ideal amount of screen time for children aged up to 18 months old?

5 / 10

Which is the strongest password?

6 / 10

Select the types of Malware:

7 / 10

Which type of malware uses a disguise to hide its true purpose?

8 / 10

Which type of malware secretly records what you do to make use of your financial or personal information?

9 / 10

A Phishing email might include:

10 / 10

Parents need to be good role models and rethink their own online activity behaviour and screen use because their kids mimic their behaviour and not what they say.

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