[earthsalt]

Technology reigns in our current world.
It is thus difficult for someone without basic technological skills to operate in this era.

What basic technological skills should a twelve-year old have?

[Masterminor]

I think personally that no one should have any skills expected of them, Some are tech wizards, others are totally useless with anything with a screen. It differs from person to person and I find it illogical personally to expect anything from a general group of people no matter the circumstance.

[haripriyavkl]

When we were twelve years old all we knew was t.v and playground but now the world has been changing rapidly due to the development in technology that every game that we used to play outside is now in your mobile. Now even a born baby is gifted with a iphone and a tablet. Now the younger generation has much knowledge than we adults

[germainebull]

I think personally that no one should have any skills expected of them, Some are tech wizards, others are totally useless with anything with a screen. It differs from person to person and I find it illogical personally to expect anything from a general group of people no matter the circumstance.

You've a point.

But, considering that even 12-year-olds typically use different forms of technology in their everyday lives, certain technological expertise is needed for survival.

[earthsalt]

I think personally that no one should have any skills expected of them, Some are tech wizards, others are totally useless with anything with a screen. It differs from person to person and I find it illogical personally to expect anything from a general group of people no matter the circumstance.

Please note that certain tech skills are essential to survive in different fields.I did not mean that any skill should be pushed down the throats of anyone.

[Masterminor]

If tech skills were an absolute necessity, than wouldn't a lot more people be dead? I am confused on if you mean job-wise or daily life-wise. I do not know of any 12 year olds with jobs, let alone in tech. But if you mean daily life, I won't pretend to know why you would but you can live without the tech today that seems "basic" I know that because we already had. It's totally possible to live off the grid, because that's what people did before there was a grid.

Concerning 12 year olds, before cellphones their were and still are bikes or your feet, or school. For entertainment there is a variety of ways that aren't electronic, both alone and with other children. I see not much other reason an average twelve year old would use tech. So I don't see what's so essential.

I feel like an elderly person writing this. XD But I grew up in a mixed tech and non-tech household. I watched tv and played Xbox, but just as much, if not more so, I played cops and robbers with my siblings. I also didn't get a cellphone until I was 13-14 I don't remember exactly but even then I mostly talked to my friends in school or otherwise in person.

If I could do that then I could totally do it now. So could any other kid if they wanted. So I'm kind of just back at square one on your question.

[IcyFirefly]

I don't think you should worry about skills for any ages, especially the kids! I have seen 3 years old working on the iPad like a pro! All the technology skills are now also being taught in school and they won't need much to catch up.

I think communication, one on one, is what missing in today world!

[germainebull]

It generally depends on the geographical location of your 12-year old. At some areas, twelve-year olds are fairly tech savvy. At other locations, 12-year olds have wanting tech expertise.

[FuZyOn]

A twelve-year old should definitely know how to operate a computer and a phone, they're pretty much "exposed" to these devices everyday so they should be familiar with the current technology.

[MeowsePad]

I think that it's important to understand how to use the internet to find answers even at a young age. We live in an age where information is at our fingertips, so it's important that we are all able to use resources appropriately.

[sprite1950]

My granddaughter is 10 next month and she is pretty computer literate as they are used at school and we have them at home. She has also been know to sort my phone out for me if I've had a problem Most homes have computers so they grow up around them.

[lion]

I mean I'd expect basic IT skills - knowing how to use Microsoft Office, how to use the internet, email etc. Nothing too advanced. I don't think every kid needs to learn how to code or be a tech wizard, but basic skills are essential.

[chikitta]

Nowadays kids who are beyond the age of 10 are already technology concience. they are very good with gadgets so everything that an adult can do a young kid can do or even more.

[germainebull]

Nowadays kids who are beyond the age of 10 are already technology concience. they are very good with gadgets so everything that an adult can do a young kid can do or even more.

True. And the best thing is that children usually learn new technological skills faster and better than adults.