Talking About Digital Responsibility: Children’s and Young People’s Voices

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter delves into the prevailing discourse surrounding the digital generation and the role of digital technology in shaping their lives. We raise the pertinent question of whether the emphasis on connectivity overlooks aspects of digital responsibility and hinders online well-being. Drawing from interview data, we investigate how children in Estonia, Norway and Romania comprehend digital responsibility. We delve into themes such as online identity, integrity, interactions, critical evaluation of online content, copyright concerns, digital citizenship, rights and participation. The study highlights the necessity of developing digital responsibility as a means to navigate the intricate complexities and risks posed by digital technology. Through an analysis of interview data, we shed light on ethical, legal and attitudinal dimensions of digital responsibility. Our findings reveal that source awareness is closely linked to the cultivation of digital responsibility in school. Furthermore, we identify challenges posed by the ethical dimension, while recognising the influential role played by peers. In conclusion, we emphasise the importance of amplifying children’s voices, comprehending their perspectives and actively involving them in the process of fostering digital responsibility. By doing so, we recognise the indispensable role of their active engagement and strive to ensure their well-being and healthy digital lives.