Basic Computer Skills Every Child Must Know

Today’s modern digital world requires digital literacy, knowledge, and skills that our children must learn. Children must be digitally skilled to do their assignments, homework, communicate with friends, research, etc.

But, computer skills are more than simply scrolling on the screen, creating a social media platform, or playing a video game. 

So, instead of giving a smartphone to our younger children, we can sit together and teach them the fundamentals of computers. And don’t forget that you can’t spell fundamentals without fun! In this article, our goal is to discuss the basic computer skills every child must know and use in the future.

Basic Computer Skills Every Kid Must Learn

Basic computer skills are children’s ability to learn how to perform fundamental tasks on a computer required for their daily activities.

The fundamental components of a computer are categorized into software and hardware. The hardware consists of: 

• Keyboard and mouse (not a real one)
• CPU (or, as I like to call it, the big box);
• Web camera, headphones, and speakers; 
• UPS (backup power supply);
• Printer and scanner;

On the other hand, the three main types of software are system, utility, and application software.

Also, don’t forget that children should learn basic computer terminologies such as homepage, internet, icon, file, program, application, hardware, software, log in, log out, search engine, password, memory, URL, etc.

Internet Basics for Children

The Internet is an endless library of videos, information, photos, games, websites, and whatever you can think of.

It connects everyone from everywhere, no matter the time and place. But with such a large audience of people using the Internet (about 5 billion people), there are many dangers your children can encounter.

For example, there are many cyberbullies or online predators always lurking on the Internet. So, you should monitor your children’s Internet activities with parental control apps and report inappropriate content.

Operating Systems for Children

The operating system is, like the name says, the system that operates the other programs (of course it is).

In other words, the operating system is the program that manages every other application on your computer.

There are many operating systems you can put on your computer. Most people use Microsoft Windows (1.4 billion users), but other operating systems, such as Edubuntu and Linux are specially made for children and students.

Word Processing and Document Creation for Children

Document creation is crucial for many companies and schools. I wouldn’t be writing this article if I didn’t have software like Microsoft Word.

So, open Word with your children and teach them the fundamentals of the program. That includes headings, bullet points, fonts, styles, bolding, alignment, and many more tools your children will find useful in the future.

Spreadsheets and Basic Data Management for Children

Many people have different opinions regarding data management and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel. Some like it, and some don’t.

But the reality is that children are required to learn Excel because of the major part it takes in every business. 

Almost every company has sectors specifically for data management and spreadsheets. So, no matter how boring some find Excel, teach your children how to use the program.

Multimedia Creation for Children

You often see your children making presentations for school, or you, yourself, have spent countless hours finding the perfect tools on Microsoft Powerpoint to make a presentation for work.

But it’s not just Powerpoint. Many other programs like Canva, Figma, Inkscape, Photoshop, and such can help your children broaden their multimedia creation skills.

So, motivate your children to look up tutorials and learn the basics of the programs they want to know. Multimedia creation is a fun yet productive process.

Basic Coding and Programming for Children

The world depends on coding and programming more and more nowadays. Those long code lines, the zeroes and ones, are all part of the apps we use daily.

And don’t imagine those hackers in the movies when thinking of coding and programming. Coding is fun and creative, especially when children learn it.

For example, a great place to start your child’s programming journey is Scratch. With Scratch, your children can start programming right when they learn to use a mouse and keyboard.

Troubleshooting and Basic Computer Maintenance for Children

A computer needs care and love, just like a human does (OK, that might be too much, but you get the point). So, teach your children the following maintenance tips:

• Avoid putting food and beverages near the computer;
• Regularly clean dust off the computer;
• Regularly update the system;
• Never open unofficial and suspicious websites;
• Download antivirus software;

Another important thing is teaching your children how to recognize the problem, or in other words, troubleshoot. Firstly, they should analyze what’s wrong and search for possible fixes.

If there is a problem with the hardware, don’t let your children open the computer themselves! Instead, contact professionals.

Why Computer Skills Are Important for Their Future

As we mentioned before, the world revolves around technology. Studies show that about 80% of all people use computers at work.

In this new modern world, all companies, schools, and even households are built on digital foundations. That’s why computer skills are essential for children’s future life and profession.

Conclusion

Technology gives our children’s present and future a whole new dimension. There aren’t many fields left that don’t require the usage of computers.

Moreover, children communicate through video games and social media, which they can access through computers.

That’s why parents must engage themselves in teaching children basic computer skills. But don’t forget to limit screen time and spend quality moments outside or with family and friends.

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