Guidance and the Virtual World
In today’s world, children spend significant amounts of time online, using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. While these platforms allow easy communication and access to information, they also bring unique challenges that require guidance from teachers, counselors, and parents.
Guidance in the Digital Space
Advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allow people to interact and access information virtually, without being physically present. Children can share and receive knowledge globally at the click of a button. However, the virtual world is largely unfiltered, meaning that not all content is accurate, safe, or appropriate. Guidance workers and teachers play a critical role in helping students evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of the information they encounter online.
Social Media Awareness
Social media enables users to create, share, and interact with text, images, audio, and videos. While it provides opportunities for learning and social interaction, it also exposes children to unregulated content. Adults need to guide children on responsible use, ensuring they understand the consequences of sharing information and the importance of verifying sources.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to bullying or harassment carried out through digital platforms. This can have severe and long-lasting effects on children, including emotional distress, depression, and, in extreme cases, self-harm. Guidance workers and teachers should teach children strategies to:
- Recognize harmful online behaviour
- Protect themselves from cyberbullying
- Seek help promptly when they encounter such situations
Creating awareness and providing support early can prevent prolonged exposure to harmful online experiences.
Cyber Ethics
Ethical behaviour online is as important as in real life. Social media offers freedom of expression, but this freedom can lead to irresponsible or illegal actions. Children should be taught that certain behaviours online are unethical and unacceptable, such as:
- Posting or sharing content intended to harm others (cyberbullying)
- Accessing unauthorized or restricted digital resources
- Hacking, snooping, or damaging others’ computer files
- Violating privacy or stealing intellectual property
- Misusing personal data or creating fake identities
By understanding the social, legal, and moral implications of their online activities, children can become responsible digital citizens. Guidance workers, teachers, and parents should work together to instill values of honesty, fairness, and accountability in children’s online interactions.
