If there is anything that my work at the intersection of law, technology and education has taught me, it is how hyper-connected many facets of our economy, careers and life in general have become in the digital age.
It has also taught me that as industry leaders, we have a duty to cast our organisational vision to current and future customers and employees.
The times that we are in require futurist leadership which is able to consider the impact of current trends and practices on the requirements and needs of the future.
Investing time and resources into shaping talent and consumer culture in accordance with the outcomes and impact of rapidly developing technologies has never been more valuable for corporate and national growth.
Did it ever occur to you how economic growth and development could be linked to how we parent young people and help them manage their relationship with digital devices?
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the well-being of individuals — particularly children — has become increasingly intertwined with technology. As devices become more integrated into daily life, understanding the implications of digital wellness and the role of cyber smart parenting is crucial.
This nexus not only affects the immediate health and development of the younger generation (our future leaders and consumers), but also has profound implications for broader economic growth and societal development.
Understanding digital wellness
Digital wellness refers to the overall health and balance of an individual’s relationship with technology.
It encompasses aspects such as screen time management, the impact of social media on mental health and the ability to engage with digital content in a constructive manner.
With children spending an average of seven hours a day on screens (and these statistics continue to shift upwards), fostering digital wellness has never been more critical.
Research indicates that excessive screen time can lead to various issues for the younger generation, including anxiety, depression and poor academic and work performance.
Role of cyber smart parenting
Cyber smart parenting involves equipping children with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
This includes teaching them about online privacy, recognising cyberbullying and understanding the consequences of their digital footprints.
Parents who engage in cyber smart practices not only protect their children, but also nurture their digital literacy and contribute significantly to digital world resilience, hence preparing them for future opportunities and challenges.
A study by the American Academy of Paediatrics found that children with parents who actively monitor and discuss their digital experiences are more likely to develop healthy online habits.
By fostering open communication about technology, parents can help their children cultivate critical thinking skills, enabling them to discern credible information from misinformation.
One way is to explore the accuracy of information received from online sources and discuss the impact.
Link to economic growth
The implications of fostering digital wellness and cyber smart parenting extend beyond individual health and development; they contribute to economic growth and societal progress in several ways.
Enhanced workforce readiness: As children develop digital literacy through active, responsible and intentional parenting, they become more prepared to enter the workforce with critical digital life skills. A digitally-literate workforce is essential for innovation and productivity in an increasingly tech-driven economy. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, nearly 50% of all employees will require re-skilling by 2025 due to technology changes. By instilling digital competencies from a young age, we ensure a future workforce that is adaptable, skilled and ready for the demands of the labour market;
Empowering future innovators: Intentional cyber smart parenting is a critical foundational basis for creativity and critical thinking, which are essential traits for innovation. By encouraging children to explore, create and critically analyse digital content, parents can help cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. According to a report from the Kauffman Foundation, a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital for economic growth and job creation, especially in emerging industries;
Productivity and workforce development: Digital wellness and cyber smart parenting can contribute to economic growth by enhancing productivity and workforce development. When individuals have a healthy relationship with technology and use it responsibly, they can optimise their time and focus on tasks at hand. Cyber smart parenting, which involves teaching children about safe and responsible online behaviour, helps raise a generation that is digitally literate and prepared for the demands of the digital economy. Digital wellness practices, such as managing digital distractions, promoting work-life balance and using technology effectively, can enhance productivity and efficiency in various sectors. When individuals and organisations prioritise digital wellness, they can leverage technology to streamline processes, automate tasks, and improve overall productivity, leading to economic growth;
Digital transformation and industry growth: Digital wellness is closely linked to successful digital transformation initiatives in industries. When organisations prioritise the well-being of their employees, provide training on digital tools, and create a supportive digital culture, they can effectively navigate the digital landscape. This facilitates industry growth and competitiveness, leading to overall economic growth;
Consumer behaviour and digital markets: Digital wellness influences consumer behaviour in digital markets. When individuals prioritise their well-being and practice responsible digital consumption, they are more likely to make informed choices, engage in sustainable online activities, and contribute to the growth of digital markets. This consumer behaviour supports economic growth in digital sectors, such as e-commerce and digital services;
Cybersecurity and data protection: Promoting digital wellness and cyber smart parenting plays a crucial role in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data. When individuals are educated about the importance of strong passwords, data privacy, and safe online practices, they are less vulnerable to cyber threats. This, in turn, promotes a secure digital environment, fosters trust among businesses and consumers, and supports economic growth;
Digital citizenship and responsible technology use: Encouraging digital wellness and practising cyber smart parenting promotes responsible digital citizenship. When individuals are mindful of their online behaviour, ethical use of technology, and respectful communication, it fosters a positive digital culture. This positive digital environment supports economic growth by attracting investments, fostering collaboration, and promoting a conducive ecosystem for innovation and development; and
Reduction in healthcare costs: When children engage in healthy digital practices, the potential for mental health challenges diminishes. This reduction in anxiety, depression and related health issues can lead to lower healthcare costs for families and the state. A healthier population contributes to increased economic productivity, as fewer resources are spent on treating emerging and preventable conditions.
Call to action
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is essential to recognise the powerful link between digital wellness, cyber smart parenting and economic growth.
Organisations, policymakers, educators and communities must come together to promote initiatives that support families in fostering healthy digital habits. By prioritising digital wellness and empowering parents to be cyber smart, we can cultivate a generation of individuals who are not only equipped to thrive in the digital landscape but also contribute meaningfully to economic development.
In a world where technology continues to evolve, the need for a balanced approach to digital engagement has never been more pressing.
The health of our economy and the well-being of future generations depend on it. Let’s embrace this challenge and work towards a healthier, more prosperous digital future for all.
- Utete is an attorney and digital wellness consultant with 15 years’ experience in consulting and spearheading policy and legislative reform in the areas of broadcasting, digitalisation, regulation of the radio frequency spectrum and intellectual property protection for innovation. As co-founder of Digital Wellness Africa, she is also a Digital Media Use and Online Safety expert, raising awareness, educating and empowering children, parents and educators in the areas of digital skills and smartphone productivity, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, digital reputation management and digital well-being. Utete believes in the power of technology to transform and empower communities and the ability of users to become significant producers of valuable digital assets and not mere consumers. These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — [email protected] or mobile: +263 772 382 852.
