Digital citizenship education from a parent's perspective

A majority of parents today are grappling with issues such as privacy, digital footprints and bullying. Where do they turn to find reliable information? When should they intervene in their children’s online activities? What is their role in ensuring that their children master the values, attitudes, skills and knowledge they need to actively, effectively engage with society? In 2020, the Council of Europe conducted a survey to better understand the views of parents on digital citizenship education and the concerns they have about their children’s use of digital technology. More than 21 000 parents in 47 countries responded to the survey, which was followed up by interviews in 2020 and 2021. Digital citizenship education from a parent’s perspective maps the needs and reflections of parents as they strive to ensure the well-being of their children and help them become competent digital citizens, who are empowered by digital technology rather than shaped by it. Conducted in the midst of school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic, the study documents parents’ experience when they stepped up as primary educators, often with little or no guidance from schools and inadequate digital equipment to cover their children’s needs. It aims to foster debate between parents, educators, researchers and policy makers on the meaning and challenges of digital citizenship education for children growing up in today’s digital age.