The digital age has changed the way we communicate and interact with each other. While this has benefits, it also presents new challenges for kids regarding developing social skills.

Here are seven essential social skills kids need for success in the digital age:

1. Communication. 

   • In the digital age, communication is more critical than ever. Kids need to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms. They also need to speak respectfully and thoughtfully, even when they disagree with someone.

• A Pew study found over 80% of teens feel more connected to friends' lives on social media, and around two-thirds say it provides a support system during tough times.

2. Collaboration. 

• In today's world, many jobs require people to work together. Kids need to collaborate effectively with others, both in person and online. They need to be able to share ideas, compromise, and resolve conflict.

• A study by the World Economic Forum found that collaboration is one of the top 10 skills that will be most in demand in the future.

3. Problem-solving. 

• The ability to solve problems is essential for success in any field. In the digital age, kids need to be able to solve problems creatively and independently. They also need to be able to think critically and assess information.

• The University of Chicago found that problem-solving skills can be taught and that even young children can learn to be better problem-solvers.

4. Empathy. 

• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In the digital age, it's more important than ever for kids to empathize with others. They need to be able to understand how their words and actions affect others, even when they're interacting online.

• The University of Cambridge found that empathy is essential for social interaction and learning. The study found that more empathetic children are better able to understand and respond to the emotions of others, which helps them to build relationships and learn from their experiences.

5. Resilience. 

• Bouncing back from setbacks is essential for success in any field. In the digital age, kids will face more challenges than ever before. They must handle criticism, deal with rejection, and persevere in facing challenges.

• A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that resilience is a crucial predictor of success in life.

6. Self-regulation. 

• The ability to control one's emotions and behavior is essential for success in any field. In the digital age, kids will be constantly bombarded with stimuli. They must regulate their emotions and behavior to make good decisions and avoid mistakes.

• The University of Minnesota found that self-regulation is a crucial predictor of academic success.

7. Digital literacy. 

• Digital literacy is the ability to use technology effectively and safely. In the digital age, kids need to be able to use technology to communicate, learn, and create. They must also be safe online and avoid cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.

• According to Cyberbullying Research Center, Approximately 46% of the students in our 2021 sample report experiencing cyberbullying in their lifetimes.

These are just a few essential social skills kids need to succeed in the digital age. We can help kids thrive in the 21st century by teaching kids these skills.

Here are some additional tips for helping kids develop social skills in the digital age:

• Model good social skills yourself. 

  • Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives. Make sure you're modeling the social skills you want your kids to learn.

• Talk to your kids about social media. 

  • Help them understand the risks and benefits of social media and teach them how to use it safely and responsibly.

• Encourage your kids to spend time with friends and family in person. 

  • Face-to-face interaction is still the best way for kids to develop social skills.

• Provide opportunities for your kids to practice social skills. 

  • Sign them up for activities that involve interacting with others, such as sports, clubs, or volunteer work.

• Be patient and supportive. 

  • Developing social skills takes time and practice. Be patient with your kids and support them as they learn and grow.

By following these tips, you can help your kids develop the social skills they need for success in the digital age.

Sources:

Communication:

• Pew Research Center. (2018, November 28). Teens, social media & habits and experiences. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/11/28/teens-social-media-habits-and-experiences/

Collaboration:

• World Economic Forum. (2020, October). Top 10 work skills of tomorrow: How long does it take to learn them? https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/

Problem-solving:

• University of Chicago. (2019, February 14). Learning by doing helps students perform better in science. https://news.uchicago.edu/story/learning-doing-helps-students-perform-better-science

Empathy:

• University of Cambridge. (2018, March 29). Teaching pupils empathy measurably improves their creative abilities, study finds. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/teaching-pupils-empathy-measurably-improves-their-creative-abilities-study-finds

Resilience:

• University of Pennsylvania. (2017, October 26). Resilience: A key predictor of success in life. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081394.pdf

Self-regulation:

• University of Minnesota. (2017, January 17). Self-regulation: A key predictor of academic success. https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/206420/North_umn_0130E_20333.pdf?sequence=1

Digital literacy:

• Cyberbullying Research Center. (2022, January 19). 2021 cyberbullying data. https://cyberbullying.org/2021-cyberbullying-data

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