What’s the most important digital habit students should build early on?

I believe the most important digital habit students should build early on is digital mindfulness, the conscious awareness of what they are doing online, why they are doing it, and how their actions affect themselves and others. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy for students to use technology passively, focusing only on convenience or entertainment. However, true digital literacy is not just about learning to operate devices efficiently, but about learning to use them responsibly and thoughtfully. Whether they are searching for information, communicating with others, or creating content, students should pause, think carefully, and make informed choices. For example, verifying the honesty of online sources, considering the negatives of sharing personal information, and understanding the tone and reach of their messages are all vital skills. These habits not only ensure safe and ethical internet use but also help students develop critical thinking and empathy in a digital environment. As the saying goes, “We shape our tools, and therefore our tools shape us.” This is especially true for young learners, whose early experiences with technology often shape their lifelong digital behavior. By cultivating this awareness from the beginning, we can help students to become thoughtful digital citizens who can scroll through the online world responsibly. Having digital mindfulness equips them with skills that go far beyond the classroom and prepares them to contribute to society in a digital age.