Digital Safety Through Intergenerational Dialogue

In commemoration of the Global Media Literacy Week #GMIL2024, ZITET delivered a transformative media and information literacy community workshop on “Ensuring Digital Safety Through Intergenerational Dialogue” at Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Chikonohono Main church in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province on the 27th of October 2024.

The event sought to promote media and information literacy skills across generations, enhance the church community’s awareness on digital rights, cyberthreats, responsible online behavior and activate parents as the first line of defense for their children’s safety in online spaces through open intergenerational dialogue. This initiative aligns with government’s aspirations to have a digitally literate population towards the realization of an upper middle income society by 2030 (National Development Strategy 1)

The intergenerational discussions revealed that unique digital interactions exist among parents and children. Participants shared their different approaches to information consumption, highlighting how children are often more adept at navigating the Internet. This conversation paved the way for further discussions on responsible online behaviors that should be adopted to ensure safe online spaces, reinforcing the notion that digital safety transcends mere technical solutions; it involves nurturing mindful, ethical, and rights respecting digital behaviours.

Some of the responsible online behaviors that were highlighted include;

• Avoid Digital Babysitting – Be present for your children. Make time for unstructured play with your child/children where you engage in activities that you both enjoy, such as reading books, building blocks, or playing games
• Fostering an environment of trust so that children are comfortable to approach parents with questions or issues related to their online experiences,

• Educating children about the importance of privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts.

• Keeping yourself updated on the latest online trends, applications and social media platforms

• Engaging in ongoing conversations with your children about their online activities, interests and the platforms they use

• Equip your children with critical thinking skills to discern between reliable and potentially harmful online content

• Regularly check devices and accounts , implement a routine of checking your child’s devices and online accounts. Regularly review their browsing history, installed apps and social media interactions

• Promote digital empathy and teach online etiquette

• Emphasize the importance of consent and respecting others’ privacy online and seeking permission before sharing someone else’s content, images or personal information

• Knowing, promotion , protection and fulfilling of the fundamental human rights that are translated as digital rights in digital spaces, e.g. the right to freedom of expression, right to privacy, right to dignity, right to access to information.

The discussions also emphasised the challenges and risks faced by various age groups in digital spaces. Parents expressed their worries about protecting their children from harmful content and online predators, while young participants, as alluded to by Takudzwa Kangadzi’s presentation voiced their concern over the toxicity that accompany social media like hate speech, cyberbullying, body shaming and misinformation mostly shared through Artificial Intelligence, hence a need for parental guidance. Concerns were also raised regarding protecting the right to privacy of children in digital spaces. Should parents or guardians go through their children’s phones or gadgets?

This intergenerational exchange also illuminated critical issues like the skill gaps that exist between younger and older generations which has resulted in privacy concerns, and potential abuse in a digital landscape. It also cultivated a shared understanding of the complexities surrounding media consumption and digital rights and created a safe space for participants to connect and learn from each another, and a strong sense of community and collective responsibility, towards addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements.

Looking ahead, the insights gained from this workshop will guide our continued efforts towards promoting digital equity by empowering all generations to be informed and resilient digital citizens.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SDA Chikonohono Main Church, Moreblessing Makota, Takudzwa Kangadzi and everyone who actively participated in this important dialogue, and we eagerly anticipate building upon this foundation continually. This event is testament of our ongoing commitment to advancing media and information literacy education towards ensuring a digitally literate community that values safety, human rights, and shared knowledge. Let us continue to foster these intergenerational conversations for a brighter, more informed digitally smart Zimbabwe.