Media, digital and AI literacy are becoming essential life skills for children, parents, caregivers, teachers and the wider community, said the Head of UNICEF's Representative Office in Montenegro, Mikele Servadei, stating that children need parents they can turn to even in the digital world.
On the occasion of Global Parenting Month, UNICEF called for strengthening support for parents, caregivers, teachers and schools so that children can safely enjoy the benefits of the digital world and protect themselves from its risks.
Servandei reminded that children today are growing up in a digital world that is changing faster than many adults can keep up with it.
"Media, digital and AI literacy are becoming essential life skills – not just for children, but also for parents, caregivers, teachers and the wider community. Every child needs adults they trust, who will listen, guide and support them when they face challenges online, help them think critically, make informed decisions and navigate the digital world safely," Servandei said.
UNICEF Montenegro's young reporter Bajram Krasnić said that when something disturbing happens online, many people fear that adults will overreact, ban phones, or not understand what they are going through.
"It helps us the most when adults stay calm, listen to us, and try to understand and help us instead of judging us," Krasnić said.
UNICEF Montenegro's young reporter Iva Rašović pointed out that many children and parents are simultaneously learning how to navigate the digital world.
"Our parents didn't grow up with social media, AI tools, and constant notifications like we did," said Iva. "That's why I think children and adults should learn together how to be safe online, to recognize harmful content, and to talk openly about what's happening online," said Rašović.
UNICEF pointed to a study by Disrupting Harm, published in April, according to which only a third of children aged 12 to 17 in Montenegro (35 percent) say that their parents often or very often help them when something upsets them online.
"The survey also showed that almost three-quarters of children this age (74 percent) believe they know more about the internet than their parents or guardians," UNICEF said.
As stated in the statement, rapid technological changes, social networks, online violence and the ever-widening application of artificial intelligence are changing childhood and bringing new challenges for families, schools and institutions, but at the same time opening up new opportunities for learning, participation in society and skill development.
"UNICEF across Montenegro is working with children, parents, guardians, schools and institutions on initiatives that strengthen media, digital and AI literacy, promote a safer online environment and help children develop the skills needed to live in a rapidly changing world," the statement said.
UNICEF emphasized that it is necessary to further strengthen media and digital literacy, as well as literacy about artificial intelligence, so that children can safely take advantage of the digital world and develop the skills needed for the future.
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