[danaris]

So, what, you think that children should have to figure out computers for themselves? That only the geeky ones (who are likely to poke at stuff and learn that way) should actually have a clue how to use computers?

Or is it that you think parents should be teaching this—which guarantees it's only going to be taught to the children of the reasonably well-off?

Welcome to the 21st century, where it's widely beneficial for everyone to know how to use computers at least at a basic level, and skills like "how to use simple Excel formulas" are often enough on their own to get people decent-paying office jobs. Because the people already working there were never taught how to use computers in any systematic way beyond, maybe, "keyboarding classes".

Where many governments require forms of various types to be submitted online, and only put out many kinds of information on their websites.

Where it's nearly a guarantee that people are going to be using social media, no matter how much you try to restrict them, so it's a damn good idea to teach them how to recognize misinformation and other kinds of manipulation (not strictly a computer skill, but definitely related).

[madoublet]

I certainly wouldn't argue with how anyone else raises their children, but I think it has been hugely beneficial to restrict access to technology early in my kids' lives. It can be introduced as they get older without worrying about them falling behind

[troupe]

I don't know. The family I've seen that don't give their kids unrestricted access to the internet have no problem keeping them off of social media.

[danaris]

I want to be very clear here:

I'm not talking about kids. I'm saying those kids will grow up, and once they grow up, they will almost certainly be on social media.

If they are not taught about critical thinking, media literacy, and how to recognize manipulations and misinformation while they are still in school, they will be easy prey for all the various kinds of sharks out there.

[joxel]

That they know of. I did a lot of things my parents didn't approve of or know of.