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Digital literacy should be taught like reading

Grace Berman · November 20, 2025 · 1 min read

We're failing kids on digital education

We teach children to read, write, and do math. We teach them about nutrition and physical health. But when it comes to navigating the digital world — arguably the environment where they spend the most time — we leave them largely on their own.

This isn't a criticism of parents or teachers. It's a recognition that our educational systems haven't caught up with the reality of how young people live today.

What digital literacy should include

  • Understanding how algorithms work and why you see what you see
  • Recognizing emotional manipulation in content design
  • Developing healthy technology habits
  • Critical evaluation of online information
  • Understanding privacy and data collection

These aren't advanced topics. They're fundamental life skills for anyone growing up in the 21st century.