Building digital intelligence and critical thinking skills
Key takeaways
- Start building these skills early.
- Use trusted resources to support learning.
- Encourage safe and respectful online behaviour.
- Help kids build resilience and empathy online.
Why these skills matter
Kids are spending more time online—at school, at home, and with friends.
It’s important they learn how to stay safe, think for themselves, and treat others with respect.
You don’t have to be a tech expert to help your child. By using helpful tools and having simple conversations, you can guide them to be smart and kind online.
What is digital intelligence?
DQ Institute 2016
Digital intelligence means knowing how to use technology in a safe and smart way. It’s about making good choices online and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.
It’s never too early to start - Good Habits Start Young – eSafety
For parents - World Economic Forum article on Digital Intelligence
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking helps kids work out what’s real and what’s not.
eSafety - 4 questions to ask
- Is this a reputable, safe, helpful source?
- Do you trust everything you read online?
- Does it seem too good to be true?
- Is everything we see online always realistic?
eSafety - Fake news
- What is fake news?
- Why does fake news exist?
- Why is it important to identify and report fake news?
- Tips to spot fake news
Internet Matters - Critical thinking guide
How to spot fake news and misinformation
Not everything online is true. Kids need to know how to spot lies or tricks online.
This helps keep them safe and less likely to believe or share harmful content.
Below you will find an informative article from the NSW Government on Fake News and an activity from the ABC for your child to try and spot fake news:
- Spotting Fake News – NSW Government
- Spotting Misinformation Activity – ABC Education (Tip: press Esc to exit the activity)
Being kind and safe online
It’s important to talk about how to treat others online.
Kids should understand how to be respectful, kind, and safe on social media and messaging apps.
Ways to Be Respectful Online
eSafety - What is respect?
Reachout - Encourage positive online behaviour
Building resilience and empathy
Sometimes, people can be unkind online. Resilience helps kids bounce back from tough moments.
Empathy helps them understand how others feel and why it matters to be kind.
Here are tools and resources to help:
Get started today
Helping your child grow their digital intelligence and critical thinking skills doesn’t have to be hard. Use the resources above to start small conversations and learn together.
By doing this, you’re giving them tools to become safe, respectful, and confident online.
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