Written by Alice Njoki.
At Mtoto News, we believe in child participation giving children a voice, listening to their ideas, and creating spaces where they can lead. Over the years, we have equipped children with digital skills, helping them use technology for learning, creativity, and staying safe online.
But as we empower children to explore the digital space, we have noticed a big gap. While children are becoming more digitalized , their parents are often left behind. Many children can confidently use the internet from researching for school to editing videos yet some of their parents still find the online world strange or even intimidating.
This is not just about gadgets or social media. It’s about understanding the new world our children live in every day. The truth is, technology is no longer a side activity, it is the main way children learn, connect, and express themselves. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, millions of young people in Kenya are online daily. They are on platforms like Snapchat , YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp. They know what’s trending, which influencers are popular, and how to join global conversations in seconds.
Parents, on the other hand, may not even know these conversations exist. This can create misunderstanding and conflict. For example:
- A child may be excited about a trending TikTok challenge, but the parent might dismiss it as a waste of time without knowing whether it’s safe or harmful.
- A teenager might be building a small online business or earning from creating content, but the parent may think they are “just wasting time on the phone.”
- A child could be facing cyberbullying, but if the parent doesn’t understand the platform, they might miss the signs.
When parents don’t know how the digital world works, they cannot fully guide, protect, or connect with their children. Yet being a digital parent is no longer optional, it’s a necessity
Becoming a digital parent means:
- Learning the basics of how the most-used platforms work.
- Talking to children openly about what they do online, without rushing to judge.
- Understanding the risks like cyberbullying, scams, harmful trends, and fake news.
- Exploring the opportunities such as online learning, creative projects, and safe online communities.
This is why eAware Parenting was created to bridge the gap between parents and children in the digital space. Through training sessions, open conversations, and the upcoming parenting show, we help parents understand what’s happening online, having open conversation with other parents on different topics , what’s trending, and how to use that knowledge to build trust and keep children safe.
When parents are digitally aware, they:
- Protect their children better.
- Build stronger relationships through shared interests.
- Encourage responsible use of technology.
- Support their children’s dreams both online and offline.
The internet can be a place of risk, but it can also be a place of endless opportunity. The difference lies in whether a parent chooses to stay out of it or step in and walk alongside their child.