Character education in the digital era is an essential responsibility that parents need to pay close attention to. The reason is that the digital era provides easy access to information. Meanwhile, education in this era integrates information and communication technology into all subjects.

In this article, you’ll learn why character education is crucial for your child’s future in the digital era. The hope is that by understanding the importance of character education in today’s fast-paced technological world, children can grow into good and quality individuals in the future.

Understanding character education in the digital era

Character education in the digital era refers to the process in which educators and parents teach children to develop good morals and character while navigating a highly connected internet world.

When children possess good character and morals, they will be wiser in using both software and hardware tools in their daily activities.

Why is character education in the digital era important?

Here are 5 reasons why character education in today’s digital world is so important and influential for children:

1. Shaping good character

A child’s character can be continuously developed. Therefore, it is essential for parents to facilitate character education as early as possible. The goal is for children to grow up with noble, ethical, and moral values—especially in this digital era.

2. Cultivating empathy and tolerance

Today, children can easily learn about foreign cultures through the internet. Sometimes, children may view their own culture as superior to others. This makes character education crucial for teaching respect for differences.

3. Encouraging creativity and innovation

Modern digital technology makes it easier to access various innovations. Character education helps children think critically, creatively, and collaboratively so they can create innovative solutions to overcome challenges.

4. Preventing cyberbullying

Ethical behavior is closely tied to respecting others' privacy and using social media wisely. Children must also learn how to prevent cyberbullying—by thinking carefully before expressing opinions and being mindful of others' feelings.

5. Building global connections

Instilling good character from an early age in the digital era enables children to build global connections in the future. Character education enhances social skills, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and healthy relationships that contribute to their success.

Key values to instill in the digital era

To guide children to become better individuals, both teachers and parents must instill essential character values, such as:

1. Integrity

Integrity includes consistency, sincerity, and honesty. Teaching children about integrity helps shape them into responsible individuals with strong principles.

2. Responsibility

Character education should involve teaching children responsibility. Parents can start by frequently using the word "responsibility" around their child and assigning small tasks to complete.

3. Respect

Respect is now part of school curricula, such as Indonesia's Kurikulum Merdeka. It covers respecting others’ opinions, appreciating cultural differences, and restraining from negative behavior.

4. Independence

Independence refers to a child’s ability to manage time, take initiative, commit to goals, and self-regulate. Developing independence early will benefit them in the future.

5. Fairness

Children can learn fairness in simple ways—or example, by treating everyone kindly without discrimination. Practicing fairness regularly will make it second nature for them.

6. Creativity

Encouraging children to think outside the box, create unique solutions, and exercise their imagination will greatly benefit their future.

The role of parents in character education in the digital era

While children can receive character education at school, parents must continue to play an active role in their lives. Here are some practical ways to do so:

1. Be a good role model

Rather than simply telling children to behave well, parents should lead by example. This includes keeping promises and apologizing when wrong.

2. Maintain open communication

Spend time talking one-on-one with your child. Open communication builds their confidence, makes them feel heard and valued, and helps them develop decision-making skills in challenging situations.

3. Set screen time limits

Allowing children to use gadgets excessively from an early age may expose them to inappropriate content. Set appropriate screen time limits based on their age—for example, a maximum of 1 hour/day for ages 2–6 and 1.5 hours/day for ages 6–12.

4. Monitor online activities

Children’s mindsets are shaped not only by their home or school environment but also by the content they consume. To prevent negative influences, parents should monitor their child’s online activities—such as by using the same social media platforms or installing parental control apps.

5. Educate children about the digital world

Technology and apps available today aren’t inherently bad. However, parents can prevent unwanted issues by educating children about the digital world. Encourage them to use the internet as a learning resource—for example, by showing educational videos or e-books.

Strengthen your child's character education in the digital era with Sampoerna Academy!

Teaching children to continuously develop good character can be challenging. That’s why you have the option of nurturing your child’s character with the help of Sampoerna Academy—where children learn to become mature, independent, and confident individuals.

Sampoerna Academy implements the 5Cs competencies (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Character) with a strong focus on character development, especially in the digital era.

The character education at Sampoerna Academy is rooted in Asian cultural values, such as discipline, social harmony, and respect. These values are expected to guide children toward a bright and successful future.