The internet has made it possible for us to connect with other people easily, but not all messages we find online will be kind. Rude comments and apathetic posts are everywhere. Cyberbullying and online hate are also rampant.
As parents and caregivers, we play a role in preventing this by teaching our children how to behave properly online. This starts by teaching them virtual empathy.
What is Virtual Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and imagine what other people are feeling. By being aware of what other people are going through, you can practice compassion and kindness. It allows you to build healthier and deeper relationships with others.
Given that online communication has become the norm these days, it’s important for us to practice virtual empathy. This is because online messages can easily be misinterpreted or miscommunicated. When we lack empathy, the words we use online can come off as harsh, rude, or uncaring towards others.
The Importance of Teaching Empathy to Kids
Empathy in kids can be nurtured and developed with your support. The ability to understand what other people are going through is a life skill that can help them build healthy relationships with their parents, teachers, and peers. Kids who have empathy will have an easier time making and keeping friends in school.
Moreover, empathy can help kids make better decisions in life. If they learn how to see life from other people’s perspectives, they can think about how their words or actions can impact other people. This way, they can respond to others more kindly and with compassion.
Virtual Empathy Building Strategies
There are many activities you and your child can do to practice and learn about empathy.
By teaching them this life skill, you will be more confident in how they interact with others when they go online. Kids may not know the impact of their words on others, which is why explaining it to them can help convey the importance of empathy.
Also, find opportunities to teach them how to label emotions. You can start by giving them emotion worksheets. If they understand the concept of feelings, then they are more likely to understand how others will feel when they say or do something — whether online or offline.
Another empathy-building activity you can try with your kids is using a mood tracker. This tool gives them an opportunity to track what they feel when faced with challenges during the week. Together, you can talk about how and why they felt a certain emotion and how to deal with it better next time.
Overcoming Challenges in Virtual Settings
Many parents are concerned about the dangers of using the internet for kids, and for a good reason. Since online users can be anonymous, anyone can spread online hate by making rude comments without fear.
Teaching your kids about empathy can help them be kinder towards other people. When kids know and understand that some words can be hurtful to others, they are less likely to do it. Instead, they can report to trusted adults when they or others become a victim of bullying.
Practical Tips When Teaching Empathy to Kids in a Virtual Setting
Empathy is developed over time, so be patient and consistent when teaching your kids about this life skill. These tips can help you succeed:
Be Emotionally Available
Teaching kids about virtual empathy starts at home. One way to model empathy is by being emotionally available to your children. This shows them that their feelings are valid and they can tell you about it without the fear of being judged. This will help them understand that other people’s feelings matter.
Kids observe and imitate how adults behave, so being kind and considerate to other people can influence them to do the same.
For example, you might feel angry and frustrated when it takes a long time for your meal to be served in a restaurant. Instead of lashing out at the staff, think twice about how you react because your kids may be watching. This applies to what you post online as well.
Ask Questions
Engage in a conversation about empathy by asking your child questions about feelings. For example, when watching a kid’s show on TV, you may ask questions such as, “Why do you think the character feels that way?” or “What did the character do or say to make others upset?”.
To help your kids understand the importance of empathy, show them the impact of their words or actions on others. Ask them how they would feel if they put themselves in other people’s shoes. Let them understand why others felt distressed when they engaged in inappropriate behavior or said inappropriate words.
Educate Your Kids About The Internet
Take time to teach your children how to use the internet safely and properly. There are risks online such as cyberbullying and online hate, so educating them early on can help them avoid being involved in such issues. Educate them that the actions they take online also have consequences.
Having a screen that separates them from others can also be a challenge to building empathy. Remind them to be respectful towards others and encourage them to think twice before sending a message or commenting on posts. Ask them how would they feel if they were the one at the receiving end.
You can start by letting them interact online with family members first. This can help get them used to practicing virtual empathy. This way, they can build the skill as they grow up and their online interactions increase.
Case Studies & Success Stories
It is important to show your child that you are there for them and teach them how to manage their emotions early on. Research has shown that secure children have better empathy, and this is also because of having better emotional regulation.
There are also numerous benefits to teaching children about empathy. In a 2023 study, a 5-day intensive empathy training program helped improve empathy and reduce verbal bullying in the participants.
In another study looking at the effects of empathy training on cyberbullying, results showed that long-term intervention helped improve empathy and decrease cyberbullying. On the contrary, not having any intervention caused cyberbullying incidents to increase.
Teach Your Kids About Virtual Empathy By Starting At Home
It’s easy to hide behind a fake name online and say mean things to others. But this can lead to problems such as cyberbullying and online hate, which is a problem rampant today.
Guide your kids as they venture online by teaching them to have empathy towards others. As you show them the importance of treating others kindly, they are more likely to do it themselves offline or online.
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