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Being street smart has always been viewed as an advantage. However, the idea goes far beyond navigating physical spaces. Street smart in 2025 means understanding yourself, managing risks, and moving confidently through a world shaped by technology.
Thanks to rapid changes in smartphones, apps, and AI, young people face pressures older generations never experienced. Every part of life now has a digital layer. In under-resourced communities, these skills can be the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling equipped.
Children Now Navigate Streets and Screens
A child’s “street” is no longer just the pavement outside. Social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and online classrooms have become new hotspots where risks and opportunities meet.
The Love Trust’s Nokuphila School in Thembisa runs a dedicated STEM division to ensure learners are not left behind by the digital divide. Head of Senior Phase and STEM, Thapelo Machimane, said learners must understand how technology can support their goals.
He said digital street smarts include knowing how to identify misinformation, avoid scams, protect mental health online, and respect privacy and consent.
Digital resilience is as important as physical safety, and children need guidance to build a healthy online identity.
Emotional Intelligence Shapes Safer Choices
Emotional intelligence is becoming a key part of everyday decision-making. Children who understand their feelings are better able to resolve conflict, manage stress, and respond calmly.
Classrooms and after-school programmes now prioritise:
- Naming and expressing feelings
- Healthy communication
- Conflict resolution
- Understanding how behaviour affects others
These skills help young people develop stronger relationships and navigate online pressure without fear or impulsive reactions.
The Community’s Role in Building Resilience
High-quality education and strong community support give children the tools to thrive. Schools that combine learning with counselling, nutrition, and mentorship help learners feel secure and confident.
Nokuphila School offers a model of holistic education. Its programmes support academic progress while addressing emotional and social needs. This approach has uplifted learners since 2009 and strengthened families across Thembisa.
Machimane said learners are regularly updated on safe digital practices. He emphasised that digital literacy “can save them from falling into many online traps”.
A New Meaning of Being Street Smart
Being street smart today is less about toughness and more about understanding the world. Children must recognise danger without fear, use technology without losing themselves, and navigate uncertainty with purpose.
These skills also strengthen communities. A supported child develops into a confident adult who contributes positively to society. When educators, caregivers and organisations work together, they help shape a generation prepared for both streets and screens.
