Today's kids are immersed in technology, which changes the game, according to Zagallo.
For a while, the focus was on teaching how to use devices and apps, but that's not enough anymore. Living with tech demands critical thinking, awareness of risks, digital responsibility, and ethical choices. Without proper digital literacy, access to info just puts people at greater risk of fraud, fake news, cyberbullying, and tech addiction.
Zagallo thinks digital literacy should be part of the whole school experience, not just separate lessons. She says cybersecurity, privacy, digital ethics, and critical thinking should be taught consistently and build on each other.
Tech companies also have a job to do. Besides creating safer products, they should back awareness and education programs. This work adds to what schools and families do, but doesn't replace them.
She says that Artificial Intelligence is a chance to do better, but kids need to use it carefully. Young people should learn to question what AI tells them, understand its limits, and act ethically. In the job market of the future, tech skills will be important, but critical thinking and being able to adapt will really set people apart.
KPMG's Cyber Day program gives lessons to students (ages 6 to 16), teachers, and parents, covering topics like online identity, social media risks, gaming, and cyber threats. It fits with KPMG's global commitment to help 10 million young people by 2030.
The main worry? A complicated digital world without strong digital literacy skills. Without these skills, the risks are technical and social.
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