With the advancement of educational technologies and the growing use of virtual learning environments, a crucial question arises: how can we preserve humanity in digital interactions? In this context, digital empathy emerges as a vital socioemotional skill for students, particularly in a world where online and hybrid education has become the norm.

What Is Digital Empathy and Why Does It Matter in School?

Digital empathy is the ability to recognize, understand, and respond sensitively to others’ emotions in a virtual setting. This skill becomes even more vital on digital platforms, where the absence of facial expressions and body language can lead to misunderstandings.

Empathetic children form healthier bonds with peers, family members, and teachers. They also develop better decision-making abilities and social awareness, competencies increasingly valued in teaching and learning.

A study of fifth-grade students at a public school in the interior of São Paulo demonstrated how empathy can transform learning, even online. The research incorporated Design Thinking methodology into an astronomy curriculum, suggesting activities that promoted investigation and creative problem-solving.

The results were striking: students showed greater engagement and enthusiasm in class by combining technology with empathetic practices. Their well-being during online interactions improved, and bonds between teachers and students grew stronger despite the distance.

The study also highlighted the importance of virtual social presence—the feeling of truly being “present” and connected with others—showing that, when paired with empathy, it becomes essential for fostering more innovative, meaningful, and humane learning.

How to Develop Digital Empathy in Children

Cultivating empathetic students online doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intentionality and practical actions by educators and families. Effective strategies include:

• Naming and Identifying Emotions: Using feelings charts, emotional journals, or mood trackers helps children recognize their emotions and those of their peers.

• Reflective Discussions: Analyzing film clips, everyday situations, or digital stories and asking, “How do you think they feel?” encourages empathetic thinking.

• Adult Modeling: Teachers and family members should model empathetic behavior online and offline. Children learn more by observing than by listening.

• Digital Citizenship Education: Teaching that actions in the virtual world have real-world consequences is crucial. Digital empathy should be part of conversations about online safety and behavior.

Challenges and Risks of Lacking Empathy in Digital Spaces

Emotional distance and anonymity afforded by technology can enable hostile behaviors like cyberbullying and hate speech. Developing digital empathy is an effective way to prevent these problems.

Studies show that social-emotional learning programs and empathy training significantly reduce bullying incidents and increase compassionate, supportive behaviors. When maintained long-term, these practices lead to continuous improvements in interpersonal relationships and overall school well-being.

The Role of Teachers and Families

Teachers and families must work together for digital empathy to become part of school culture.

Teachers should adopt open, sensitive, and dialogic communication, creating safe environments where students feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences.

Families play an equally important role: they should engage in conversations about emotions experienced during virtual interactions and encourage empathetic behaviors in daily life, both in and out of school.

It’s also essential for schools to provide gradual, hands-on opportunities for children to practice online empathy, starting with interactions among close family or friends before expanding into broader contexts.

Final Thoughts

More than a desirable skill, digital empathy is essential for ensuring a positive, healthy learning environment. In times of hybrid or fully online education, promoting social presence and empathy is key to making education more humane and transformative.

Whether through active methodologies like Design Thinking or simple daily dialogues, schools can cultivate more conscious, compassionate citizens prepared for the challenges of digital and face-to-face life.

References

CARRUBA, Andréa Goulart Mendes; BARRETO, Maria Auxiliadora Motta. “Exercício da empatia e do autocontrole nas interações sociais: uma análise a partir da abordagem cognitivo-comportamental.” Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Ciência e Tecnologia. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://periodicos.utfpr.edu.br/rbect/article/view/14836.

FLECHA, Ramon; PULIDO, Cristina; VILLAREJO, Beatriz; RACIONERO-PLAZA, Sandra; REDONDO-SAMA, Gisela; TORRAS-GÓMEZ, Elisabeth. “Effects of the use of digital technology on children's empathy and attention capacity.” ResearchGate, April 2020. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340778372_Effects_of_the_use_of_digital_technology_on_children's_empathy_and_attention_capacity.

WOOLF, Nick. “Virtual empathy building: strategies for kids.” Inside SEL, September 12, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2025. https://insidesel.com/2023/09/12/virtual-empathy-building-strategies-for-kids/.