Digital competences on the web

"The young people all know how to use the internet!" That's how many people think about Generation Z. Also known as digital natives, this generation grows up with the internet and is already confronted with the digital flow of information at an early age. Smartphone, tablet and computer are part of everyday life and lead quickly to WhatsApp, Instagram & Co. Mobile devices and the internet are also becoming increasingly relevant in digital or hybrid teaching. But does an active use of digital media and the internet also mean a versed usage? Because even if the younger generation don't know a world without new technologies, not all of them pay attention to a responsible use of them.

Pupils should therefore have various competences in order to be able to work confidently with digital media in class and to move safely on the web.

A survey on the use and handling of the internet showed the following:

12- to 19-year-olds:

• 89% use internet daily

 14-24 year olds: 

• 31% said their internet skills were very good
• 62% said that for them personally, infecting their computer or other devices with malware is one of the biggest risks of using the internet

The digital world presents opportunities and risks that students must learn to deal with responsibly. Teachers should therefore pay attention to teaching these skills in order to make online lessons as safe as possible.

We have summarised the most important competences that students should be aware of in an infographic, which you can also download for free at the very bottom.