Helping children get iSmart, while protecting their mental and emotional health

Marliz Morales explains how an online platform helps children to build psychosocial skills and be more resilient in their increasingly digital world

14 November, 2024

In the digital era, over 66% of the global population has internet access, and more than 62% are active social media users. This marks a 5.6% increase just in the last 12 months, with humanity collectively spending the equivalent of 1.5 billion years online (DataReportal, 2024). This growth also brings new challenges and vulnerabilities, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, identity theft, and more. 

This issue is compounded, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the lack of psychosocial skills development in adults, particularly their ability to cope with daily challenges. Investing in individual, social, and emotional skills from childhood through adolescence is crucial, says WHO, and should be a top priority for societies to promote positive and adaptive behaviours that permeate lifestyle choices, behaviours, and cognitive abilities. 

In response to these challenges, iSmart360.com, positions itself as an integral solution for psychosocial development and online protection. Launched in 2021, this e-learning platform aims to teach psychosocial skills, reduce the digital divide, and create safe spaces to protect children and adolescents. Developed by the World Vision Costa Rica office, its mission is to inspire the potential of new generations. At iSmart360.com, we continuously innovate through our digital platform dedicated to online education, aiming to address these challenges with initiatives focused on transforming the future of new generations through key areas such as: 

1. Developing psychosocial skills through online education: 

Psychosocial skills refer to cognitive, physical, psychological, and social abilities and competencies, such as critical thinking, decision-making, and creative thinking. Socio-emotional learning enables children and adolescents to develop skills that help them face various life challenges and positively impact academic performance. On the iSmart360.com platform, these skills are taught and developed through interactive digital content covering topics like art, recreation, science, technology, and everyday life, complementing formal education and contributing to the individual, social, and emotional development of new generations. 

2. Protecting children in the digital environment: 

As technology advances and internet use increases, children's digital vulnerability becomes apparent. Minors are especially vulnerable online due to their limited ability to identify and manage risks, exposing them to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, grooming, identity theft, and even technology addiction. iSmart360.com includes security measures to ensure children and adolescents can navigate safely. For example, we use software to prevent, detect, and block potential cyber-attacks, alongside data processing agreements, privacy policies, and terms and conditions aligned with regulatory recommendations. We also have automated filters for unacceptable words and create open social communication spaces to prevent inappropriate user interactions. 

3. Reducing the digital gap with accessible technology: 

The digital divide refers to the inequality in access, use, and knowledge of information and communication technologies. Digital skills, also known as digital literacy or competencies, are the ability to use technology and digital media effectively and safely. Today, and in the future, technology is used for daily activities: job searching, education, healthcare, banking, and more. Mastering digital tools allows new generations to have the basic knowledge for the digital age. Without these digital and technical skills, they risk being left behind.