how can you apply critical thinking skills to become good at digital citizenship

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9 Resources for Teaching Digital Citizenship

• Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy

How can we teach kids to use technology responsibly when the technology is changing faster than we can keep up? How can we help students — and teachers — understand that good digital citizenship also involves using digital tools to do good things in the world?

Grappling with these questions is just the beginning of the digital citizenship conversation. Most educators recognize the need for it, but many struggle with the best way to teach it.

In classrooms where digital citizenship is taught effectively , teachers have two things in common: They model ethical technology use for their students on a daily basis, and they naturally incorporate conversations about it whenever technology is part of their lesson plan. In other words, they weave digital citizenship seamlessly throughout their curriculum. Here are some resources to help:

1. Infographic: I'm a digital citizen!

Schools have long woven citizenship lessons into their curricula, but now that much of our social interaction happens online, educators need to understand how to teach students about responsible digital citizenship as well. In this infographic , learn about the five competencies of  #DigCitCommit , is a movement created by a coalition of organizations committed to giving all educators the tools to prepare students to stay safe, solve problems and become a force for good. DigCitCommit wants to change the conversation around digital citizenship to focus on the  do's  not the  don'ts .

2. Don’t teach digital citizenship — embed it!

Educators know that kids do best when they can learn something authentically, by figuring out their own answers to real-world problems that are relevant to their lives. In this blog post , educator Heather Marrs writes, digital citizenship is a key skill for living and working in a connected world. And if students don't learn this important skill set in an authentic way, it will be just another abstract idea that becomes real only when they run into problems down the road. 

3.  Help students take ownership of their digital lives

All students need digital citizenship skills to participate fully in their communities and make smart choices online and in life. Empower students to think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly in a digital world with Common Sense Media’s K-12 curriculum .

4. Digital Citizenship in Action

This ISTE U course will guide you in exploring various sets of learning standards, identifying frameworks for digcit education, integrating digcit across content areas, and even sharing how students can connect online to participate in social justice and sustainability projects.

5. 7 tips and 1 activity to help students interact respectfully online

In this blog post ,  Kristen Mattson, Ed.D., shares some useful classroom activities that help students learn how to interact online in a thoughtful, productive manner.   

6.  What prevention science tells us about cyberbullying

It's easy to focus on the screens. Screens follow some rules, they can be tucked away, they can be banned. But if your solution to cyberbullying rests only on the screen, you're missing the larger point. In this blog post , digital citizenship expert Carrie Rogers-Whitehead writes that if programs and training on digital citizenship do not focus on risk factors, they will never fully address the problems that stem from technology use.

7.  A new twist on cyberbullying

How do we teach digital citizenship to older students, who don’t respond well to lecturing and finger pointing? Instructional technology coordinator Cynde Reneau shares her strategies for guiding students to draw their own conclusions about cyberbullying.

8.  Teach digital citizenship all year, every year

While many schools address digital citizenship through the occasional school assembly or one-off lesson plan, administrators at Rowan-Salisbury School District knew they needed to go bigger. In this blog post , find out how they paid 25 teachers from around the district to develop a comprehensive K-12 digital citizenship curriculum.

9. Teaching fact vs. fiction

How do we teach our kids to tell fact from fiction when deep-fake technology has created a world where seeing is no longer believing? As with most things related to social media, the internet and media literacy, it’s complicated, but not impossible. In this blog post by authors Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins, you learn tips for helping students navigate this treacherous terrain. 

This is an updated version of a post that was first published on Dec. 24, 2014. Nicole Krueger is a freelance writer and journalist with a passion for finding out what makes learners tick.

• artificial intelligence

Digital Citizenship 101: Responsible Online Behavior

Introduction, defining digital citizenship: navigating the online world responsibly, from online behavior to digital citizenship, benefits of being a good digital citizen, protecting yourself and others: cultivating healthy online practices, guarding your digital fortress: the power of strong passwords, the perils of oversharing: embracing privacy settings, think before you post: the lasting impact of online content, standing strong against cyberbullying: promoting respect online, shaping responsible digital citizens: empowering the next generation, education at the helm: strategies for teaching digital citizenship, parental guidance: modeling good digital citizenship, safeguarding your digital sanctuary: a guide to online safety, dodging digital snares: recognizing and avoiding scams, unmasking phishing attempts: building a shield of awareness, downloading with caution: the risks of unknown files, the shield of updates: keeping software and security systems current, into the digital frontier: navigating the future of digital citizenship, emerging trends: shaping the digital landscape, the path ahead: evolving perspectives on digital citizenship, a societal shift: the impact of digital citizenship, additional resources.

“Imagine waking up one morning to find that your personal photos, messages, and private information have been leaked online for the world to see. Your sense of privacy shattered, you’re left feeling violated and exposed. This nightmare scenario is a stark reminder of the importance of digital citizenship.”

In today’s interconnected world, understanding digital citizenship has become paramount. Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology, particularly in the online sphere. It encompasses a range of behaviors, from respecting others’ privacy to safeguarding personal information.

The online landscape has become a thriving virtual society, filled with opportunities, connections, and information. However, just like in the physical world, there are rules, values, and responsibilities that must be upheld to create a safe and inclusive environment. Digital citizenship serves as the guiding principle for our online conduct, shaping how we interact with others, handle information, and contribute to the digital community.

The Basics of Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship is not a destination, but a continuous journey. It encapsulates the principles of respect, integrity, and responsibility in our digital lives. Just as we strive to be good citizens in our physical communities, digital citizenship urges us to be active, engaged, and accountable members of the online world.

To navigate the digital landscape responsibly, we must embody these principles. Respect involves treating others with kindness, empathy, and tolerance, both in our words and actions online. Integrity calls us to be honest, transparent, and authentic in our digital interactions. Responsibility compels us to protect our personal information, contribute positively to online discussions, and report any harmful or inappropriate content we come across.

Our online behavior contributes to our digital citizenship. Every post, comment, like, or share has the power to shape the digital landscape. By being mindful of our actions and adhering to the principles of digital citizenship, we can cultivate a positive online presence that fosters respect, empathy, and understanding.

“The virtual world is a reflection of who we are, and our digital citizenship is a mirror that reflects our values, beliefs, and character. It is a call to action, reminding us to be the best versions of ourselves as we navigate the vast expanse of the internet.”

Embracing digital citizenship brings numerous benefits. When we engage responsibly and ethically online, we create meaningful connections with others who share our interests, passions, and goals. We have the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow alongside a diverse global community.

As good digital citizens, we also gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. The internet offers a vast repository of information that can empower us in various aspects of life. By leveraging the power of digital citizenship, we can tap into this wealth of knowledge and contribute to it, expanding the collective wisdom of humanity.

Moreover, practicing digital citizenship helps us develop critical thinking skills. We learn to navigate the vast sea of information, distinguish between credible and unreliable sources, and become more discerning consumers of digital content. This ability to think critically and evaluate information is invaluable in our increasingly digital and information-driven world.

Developing Good Online Habits

In our digital world, cultivating good online habits is essential to ensure our safety and the safety of others. Let’s explore some key practices that contribute to responsible and secure online behavior.

In the online realm, our passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to our digital lives. Creating strong, unique passwords is crucial to protect our personal information from hackers and cybercriminals.

“A strong password is like a fortress protecting our digital kingdom. It should be long, combining a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common phrases. Instead, opt for a passphrase that is memorable to you but difficult for others to crack.”

Furthermore, it’s important to use a different password for each online account. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain secure. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, taking the burden of remembering them off your shoulders.

In the age of social media and oversharing, it’s crucial to be mindful of the information we divulge online. While sharing moments from our lives can be enjoyable and connect us with others, it’s important to strike a balance between sharing and protecting our privacy.

Consider adjusting the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your posts, photos, and personal information. Be cautious about sharing sensitive details like your home address, phone number, or financial information. Remember that once something is shared online, it can be challenging to retract or erase completely.

“Take the time to review and understand the privacy policies of the platforms you use. Familiarize yourself with the options available to you, and make informed decisions about what you share and with whom. By being proactive in managing our privacy, we can minimize the risk of identity theft, online harassment, and other potential harm.”

In the digital realm, our words and actions have a lasting impact. What we post online, whether it’s a comment, a photo, or a video, can shape others’ perceptions and influence their emotions. It’s crucial to think before we hit that “send” button, ensuring that our contributions reflect our values and do not harm ourselves or others.

“Consider the potential consequences of your online posts. Will your words uplift and inspire? Will they contribute positively to a discussion? Or do they have the potential to hurt or offend others? Take a moment to reflect on the potential impact of your content and consider alternative ways to express your thoughts or opinions respectfully.”

Engaging in healthy digital conversations involves active listening, empathy, and open-mindedness. It’s important to be aware of our biases and assumptions and to approach online discussions with respect and a willingness to learn from others’ perspectives. By fostering a culture of constructive and empathetic communication, we can contribute to a vibrant and inclusive digital community.

Cyberbullying is a harsh reality in today’s digital landscape, causing immense harm to individuals of all ages. As responsible digital citizens, it is our duty to stand against cyberbullying and promote respect, kindness, and empathy online.

“If you witness cyberbullying, take action. Report the behavior to the platform or website administrators and offer support to the person being targeted. Remember that silence can inadvertently condone such behavior, so speak up and let your voice be heard against cyberbullying.”

Additionally, consider the language and tone you use in your online interactions. Aim to be constructive and empathetic, even when disagreeing with others. Promote healthy conversations and support those who may be facing harassment or mistreatment.

Teaching Digital Citizenship to Children and Teens

Instilling digital citizenship in young people is vital to equip them with the necessary skills and values to navigate the online world responsibly. By providing them with guidance and education, we empower them to make informed decisions, think critically, and engage positively in the digital

In the classroom and at home, educators play a crucial role in teaching digital citizenship. By integrating digital citizenship into the curriculum and providing interactive activities, we can empower students to understand the impact of their online actions and make responsible choices.

“Educators can incorporate digital citizenship lessons across various subjects, such as English, social studies, and technology. By exploring real-life scenarios, engaging in discussions, and participating in collaborative projects, students can develop a deeper understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and ethical considerations that accompany digital citizenship.”

Parents are powerful role models for their children. By demonstrating good digital citizenship themselves and engaging in open conversations about online behavior, parents can guide their children towards responsible and ethical technology use.

“Parents can create a safe and open environment for discussing online experiences and concerns. They should encourage their children to share any instances of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or suspicious online behavior they encounter. By fostering trust and open communication, parents can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world.”

Staying Safe Online

In our ever-evolving digital landscape, staying safe online is of paramount importance. Let’s explore some key practices that can help protect our digital sanctuaries from cyber threats.

Scammers lurk in the shadows of the internet, ready to exploit unsuspecting individuals. It’s crucial to familiarize ourselves with common scams and stay vigilant to protect ourselves from falling victim to their deceitful tactics.

“Be cautious when encountering suspicious emails, messages, or advertisements. Watch out for requests for personal information, urgent payment requests, or deals that seem too good to be true. Remember, legitimate organizations and financial institutions will never ask for sensitive information via email or social media.”

If you encounter a potential scam, report it to the appropriate authorities or organizations. By reporting scams, you not only protect yourself but also help protect others from falling victim to similar fraudulent activities.

Phishing attempts have become increasingly sophisticated, posing a significant threat to our online security. Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.

“To shield yourself from phishing attempts, be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if they come from unknown or suspicious sources. Verify the legitimacy of the sender and double-check the URL before entering any personal information. If in doubt, contact the organization directly through their official website or customer support channels.”

Remember that awareness is your strongest defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and educate yourself on how to spot and avoid them. By remaining vigilant, you can protect your personal information and preserve your digital security.

Downloading files from untrusted sources can unleash a digital nightmare. Cybercriminals often disguise malware within seemingly harmless files, infecting your devices and compromising your security.

“Exercise caution when downloading files from the internet, particularly from unknown sources or suspicious websites. Stick to reputable platforms and official app stores when downloading software, applications, or files. Always scan downloaded files using reliable antivirus software before opening or executing them.”

Additionally, keep your devices’ operating systems, applications, and antivirus software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. By staying current with updates, you minimize the risk of falling victim to malware or other cyber threats.

Regularly updating software and security systems is crucial to protect ourselves from vulnerabilities. By staying up to date, we ensure that our digital fortress remains fortified against emerging threats.

“Set your devices and applications to automatically update to the latest versions whenever possible. Updates not only provide new features and improvements but also address security vulnerabilities that may have been discovered since the previous version. Take advantage of this built-in defense mechanism to bolster your online security.”

In addition to software updates, maintaining robust security systems, such as firewalls and antivirus software, is essential. These tools act as sentinels, monitoring your digital environment for potential threats and offering an added layer of protection against malicious actors.

The Future of Digital Citizenship

As technology continues to evolve, so does the concept of digital citizenship. Let’s explore what the future might hold for digital citizenship and how it will shape our online experiences.

New technologies and trends are reshaping our digital landscape. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, these advancements bring both opportunities and challenges for digital citizenship.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, digital citizens will need to navigate ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic biases, and the responsible use of AI-powered systems.”

“Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. As these technologies become more prevalent, digital citizens will need to navigate new ethical dilemmas, such as virtual harassment, consent in virtual environments, and the impact of extended reality on mental health.”

As digital citizenship evolves, it will continue to intersect with various fields, including cybersecurity, media literacy, and data ethics. Understanding the implications of these emerging trends and equipping ourselves with the necessary knowledge and skills will be crucial in shaping our digital future.

Digital citizenship is an ever-evolving concept. As our understanding deepens and society grapples with the impact of technology, our perspectives on digital citizenship will continue to evolve, shaping the way we engage with the online world.

“Education and awareness will play a vital role in driving this evolution. Integrating digital citizenship into educational institutions, community organizations, and public discourse will help create a shared understanding of the principles and responsibilities of digital citizenship.”

Collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, technology companies, educators, and civil society, will be essential in defining and promoting digital citizenship. By working together, we can establish frameworks, policies, and practices that uphold the values of respect, privacy, and responsibility in the digital realm.

The ripple effects of digital citizenship extend beyond the individual. As society becomes increasingly connected, the responsible and ethical use of technology has the potential to shape the world we live in. Understanding the impact of digital citizenship is key to fostering a harmonious and inclusive future.

“Digital citizenship empowers individuals to use technology to drive positive change. By leveraging digital tools, platforms, and networks, digital citizens can raise awareness about social issues, advocate for justice and equality, and create meaningful connections across geographic and cultural boundaries.”

Moreover, digital citizenship is intrinsically tied to civic engagement and democracy. In a world where information spreads rapidly and digital platforms serve as hubs for public discourse, responsible digital citizenship becomes essential in ensuring that accurate information prevails, disinformation is debunked, and democratic processes are protected.

“Together, we can build a digital world where respect, empathy, and responsibility thrive. By embracing digital citizenship, we become active participants in shaping a safer, more inclusive

online landscape.”

In conclusion, digital citizenship is not just a concept; it is a call to action. Through this article, we’ve explored the foundations of responsible online behavior, the importance of teaching digital citizenship to young people, and the significance of staying safe online. Let us commit to being better digital citizens, leading by example, and inspiring others to join us on this journey.

“Remember, the power to shape our digital future lies in our hands. Take action now, and let us be the change we wish to see in the online world.”

• The Digital Citizen’s Guide: A Comprehensive Handbook for Responsible Online Behavior
• https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Citizens-Guide-Cybersecurity-Empowered/dp/1956464220
• Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Your Digital World
• Redefining Society Podcast, Hosted By Marco Ciappelli

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Developing Students’ Digital Citizenship Skills

Teaching students to develop an awareness of data security, online etiquette, and cyberbullying helps them make better decisions online.

Digital Citizenship Week is celebrated in October each year. The focus is on building digital citizenship skills with events planned for schools to join in and learn more. These are concepts that teachers and schools should focus on throughout the year as well. With the increased use of digital tools in our classrooms and the amount of technology used in everyday life and work, we must provide learning opportunities for students to develop “digcit” skills all year long.

Being a responsible digital citizen means that all individuals are able to use technology ethically, responsibly, and effectively. It is important to develop an understanding of the impact that one’s digital actions can have on other individuals and on society as a whole. Students and teachers must be able to keep themselves safe, know how to protect their privacy, learn how to critically analyze information, and engage in respectful interactions online. 

Vital digital citizenship skills 

Privacy and security: With increased data collection and online tracking of websites we use and how our information is shared, understanding how to safeguard our privacy is key.  With more students using digital tools and at a younger age, it is essential to build in activities that will help students to better understand how to protect themselves and to respect the privacy of others as well. For instance, teaching students how to create unique passwords is key for securing personal information. With the increase in cybersecurity attacks over the past few years, updating passwords and even using two-factor authentication (TFA) will help to keep everyone safer. 

Communication: With the variety of social media platforms available and how quickly we can post and respond, providing opportunities for students to practice responsible posting is an area that we need to focus on regularly. Even with young students, simulating an X (formerly Twitter) chat or other online discussion can be done using sticky notes, for example. Depending on grade level, another option is to use a tool like Padlet to help students learn how to properly post and interact with one another.

Cyberbullying: Because of the instant access to posting online, cyberbullying is a serious topic that needs to be discussed in every classroom. All educators can place a greater emphasis on recognizing and preventing cyberbullying by teaching students to be empathetic online. It is always a good idea to remind students to think before posting and offer tips for how to respond to or speak up against cyberbullying. Schools should have guidelines in place for students to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to technology use. 

Tools and resources

There are a variety of activities and tools available that educators can bring into their classroom to give students the chance to engage in independent learning to develop digital citizenship skills. Some of these offer lessons that teachers can work through with students and make time for in class discussion, which leads to a more authentic and meaningful learning experience about the importance of responsible use of technology. 

21 Things 4 Students is a site that offers free activities for students in grades five through nine to learn more about online safety and to build technology skills.

Be Internet Awesome is available via Google and offers a curriculum for teaching online safety and digital citizenship in the classroom. The resources include activities, charts, guides, and Google Slides. They also provide a family guide and reference charts in both English and Spanish. 

Book Creator has three books focused on digital citizenship to help educators get started in their classroom. Also, by using Book Creator, students can collaborate with classmates to create a book and learn how to post and interact responsibly, access and use information, and build their digital citizenship skills.

BrainPOP provides a series of lessons focused on Digital Citizenship . There are 20 topics available and free lessons on digital etiquette and conflict resolution. Lesson plans and a variety of activities are included with each focus area.

Common Sense Media provides a variety of resources that focus on digital citizenship, media literacy, balancing the use of technology, and more. Their Digital Citizen materials are a fun and interactive way to teach students about internet safety.

EverFi offers activities and lessons on a variety of topics for students in grades K through 12. There are lessons on digital literacy and wellness that cover staying safe online and identity protection, with some lessons available in languages in addition to English. 

Nearpod has a variety of lessons available that are specific to grade levels and topics focused on digital citizenship. They created a series of lessons for Digital Citizenship Week that cover topics such as cyberbullying, digital literacy, and online safety for students in grades K through 12. 

sharing the importance of digital citizenship

In my eighth-grade STEAM course, we talk a lot about digital citizenship throughout the year. We use all of the abovementioned resources and engage in discussions about the concerns that come up. A few years ago, I started to teach my students how to sketchnote and used it as an opportunity to have them create PSAs to share information about one of the elements of digital citizenship they selected. I displayed their sketchnotes in our hallway to serve as reminders of the importance of digital citizenship. As an extension activity, a tool like Buncee allows students to create a Digital Citizenship PSA poster based on what they have learned. 

The rapid evolution of technology, especially with generative AI, means that we need to consistently help students learn how to evaluate online sources, identify fake news, and develop skills in analyzing multimedia content carefully and critically. In some cases, students may overly rely on technology, which is why it’s important to provide opportunities for students to find balance in the use of tech and to learn how to use it responsibly and effectively.

Developing critical thinking skills

Key message

Not all information is trustworthy, and some sources of information are intended to mislead or confuse people. For this reason, it is important that children and young people have the critical thinking skill to analyse information and evaluate its authenticity.

Critical thinking does not mean criticising people or ideas. Critical thinking is an important skill in an information rich world that helps children and young people examine new pieces of information in order to make an informed judgement on an issue ( Young and eSafe , Office of the eSafety Commissioner 2018).

Children and young people should always consider and question the relevance, accuracy and reliability of any content they find online. Peter Ellerton (Lecturer in Critical Thinking, The University of Queensland) suggests that students need to master 4 key concepts to develop their critical thinking abilities:

• Argumentation – the process of intellectual engagement with an issue and opponent with the intention of developing a justified position.
• Logic – the rules of deduction and induction used to proceed from premises or evidence to conclusion.
• Psychology – an awareness of how our minds actually work, especially the effect of cognitive biases and prior beliefs.
• The nature of science – knowledge of basic statistics and the difference between hypothesis, theory and law.

Read Peter's full article in The Conversation, titled How to teach all students to think critically .

Further suggestions for developing critical thinking skills

Here are some suggestions for developing critical thinking skills in children and young people:

• Learn more about developing critical thinking skills with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner's Young and eSafe units of work.
• For practical advice on evaluating information, visit the University of the Sunshine Coast’s What are credible sources?
• ABC News offers advice on how to spot fake news and fact-check bogus stories.

Who wrote the information?

• Is the author listed on the information?
• Is the author is qualified on the topic of the article? An author may be qualified if they have a university degree or experience relevant to the article topic.
• Has the author included a bibliography or link to the sources they used to research the information?

What is it about?

• Does the article provides links to research to back up its argument?
• Does the article give a balanced opinion and present both sides of the argument?

Where does the information come from?

• Does the article come from a reliable person/organisation (e.g. newspaper, university, etc.)?
• Does the article come from a reliable website (such as one ending in .gov or .edu)?

When was it written and last updated?

• Does the article say when it was published or last updated?
• Is the article recent (within the last 2 years)?

Why was the information written?

• Can you tell what the author’s primary motive is for writing this information? For example, is it intended to teach or inform? Is the author trying to sell something?
• Does the article encourage debate and allow me to make up my own mind about an issue?

How do I feel about it or find out more?

• Is the article written in a way that is easy to understand or does it use confusing and emotive language?
• Where could I could find more research on the claims that are made in this article?

Additional resources

Related resources, curriculum and syllabus links, nsw syllabus outcomes, australian curriculum content descriptions.

• ' Young and eSafe ', Office of the eSafety Commissioner, accessed 24 January 2022
• ' How to teach all students to think critically ', The Conversation, accessed 24 January 2022
• ' What are credible sources ', University of the Sunshine Coast, accessed 19 June 2022
• ' Spot fake news online with these free tools for fact-checking bogus stories ', ABC, accessed 24 January 2022

If you have a critical issue or would like help reporting and responding to cyberbullying online, please visit the Office of the eSafety Commissioner's website.

The Kids Helpline is a private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25, available 24 hours a day.

Go to iParent on the Office of the eSafety Commissioner website for tips and advice for parents to help their children have safe and enjoyable experiences online.

Is there something we can do to improve the Digital Citizenship website?

Digital Citizenship 101: Educating Students for a Better Digital World

In an era defined by technology and connectivity, educators face the challenge of preparing students for a digital world that is constantly evolving. As teachers, we strive to equip our students with academic knowledge and the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in the digital age. One of the most critical skills we must impart upon them is digital citizenship.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship encompasses the values, knowledge, and behaviors individuals need to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. It goes beyond technical proficiency and delves into the realm of digital ethics, online safety, privacy, and responsible digital engagement. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and practising digital citizenship is of paramount importance for our students.

But why is digital citizenship such a crucial skill for our students to possess? The answer lies in the transformative power of technology and its pervasive influence on their lives. From social media platforms to online collaboration tools, technology has become an integral part of our students’ daily routines. While this digital realm presents immense opportunities for learning, creativity, and global connections, it also exposes them to various risks and challenges that are magnified when passed on to our youth.

Digital citizenship equips students with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and responsible decision-making, it empowers them to be informed and engaged participants in the digital world. Digital citizens understand the importance of respect, kindness, and ethical behavior in online interactions, creating a positive digital culture.

Teaching digital citizenship helps students develop the skills they need for today and prepares them for their future careers. As technology continues to shape the workforce, employers will desire individuals who can demonstrate digital responsibility, effective communication, and collaboration in online environments. By imparting digital citizenship skills, we enable our students to become responsible and ethical professionals with the competencies required in the digital age.

Moreover, incorporating digital citizenship education into our classrooms is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. By teaching students about online safety, digital footprint management, cyberbullying prevention, and critical evaluation of online content, we empower them to navigate the digital landscape confidently while protecting their well-being. Digital citizenship education ensures our students are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the potential consequences of their online actions.

In the following sections of this article, we will delve deeper into the key components of digital citizenship and explore practical strategies for integrating digital citizenship education into our classrooms.

What digital ethics do our students require?

It is essential for individuals to adhere to a set of principles and values in the digital realm, which are commonly known to teachers and students as digital ethics. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, students must gain a solid understanding of digital ethics to responsibly navigate the complexities of the digital world. There are several key digital ethics that students must understand, including:

Respect and Kindness: Students should comprehend the importance of treating others with respect and kindness in all online interactions. This means avoiding cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. Encouraging empathy and fostering positive communication is crucial to creating a healthy and inclusive digital environment.

Privacy and Security: Students must understand the importance of safeguarding their personal information and respecting the privacy of others. They should know the potential risks of sharing sensitive data online and learn how to protect their privacy through strong passwords, privacy settings, and responsible data-sharing practices.

Digital Footprint Management: Students should be educated about the concept of a digital footprint—the traces they leave behind through their online activities. They must recognize that their digital footprints can have long-lasting consequences that they have little to no control or ownership of, impacting their reputation, education, and future opportunities. Students should learn to curate a positive digital footprint by thoughtfully considering what they share online.

Copyright and Intellectual Property: Students should develop an understanding of intellectual property rights and respect copyright laws. They need to learn to attribute and cite sources properly when using digital content and understand the implications of plagiarism. Encouraging creativity while respecting the intellectual property of others is vital.

Critical Evaluation of Information: In the age of abundant information, students must develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability, credibility, and bias of online sources. They should learn to discern accurate information from misinformation or fake news . Instilling a sense of media literacy empowers students to make informed decisions and engage in responsible digital citizenship.

Digital Balance and Well-being: Students must be aware of the potential impact of excessive screen time and digital addiction on their well-being. Balancing online and offline activities, such as physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and self-care, is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Digital Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities: Students should understand their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens. This includes respecting the terms of service of online platforms, adhering to appropriate online behavior guidelines, and understanding the consequences of their actions online. Encouraging responsible digital engagement and fostering a sense of civic responsibility is crucial.

There is now another aspect of dealing with digital rights and responsibilities, which has become apparent with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. And that is, when a machine makes a decision that excludes or impacts your life in a meaningful way are there any rights you have to challenge or contest the efficacy and legality of the process?

By integrating these digital ethics into their mindset and behavior, students can become ethical digital citizens who contribute positively to the digital world while protecting their own well-being and respecting the rights of others.

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

Strategies for Teaching Digital Citizenship

In this section, we have curated some proven strategies that, whilst not dedicated lessons, can be easily integrated into your teacher planner with minimal fuss.

Incorporate Digital Citizenship into the Curriculum: Integrate digital citizenship lessons and activities into your curriculum across various subjects and grade levels. Find opportunities to discuss responsible online behavior, critical evaluation of online sources, digital footprint management, and ethical use of technology within the context of different subjects. This approach helps students understand the relevance of digital citizenship in their academic pursuits and daily lives.

Interactive Discussions and Case Studies: Engage students in interactive discussions and case studies that prompt critical thinking about real-world digital citizenship scenarios. Present them with dilemmas and ethical challenges related to privacy, cyberbullying, intellectual property, or online etiquette. Encourage students to analyze and discuss possible solutions, consider different perspectives, and evaluate the consequences of their actions. These discussions help students develop their decision-making skills and ethical reasoning.

Digital Citizenship Pledges and Agreements: Collaboratively create digital citizenship pledges or agreements with your students. These documents outline the rights and responsibilities of digital citizens and establish shared expectations for online behavior within the classroom and beyond. Involve students in discussing and drafting the guidelines, allowing them to take ownership of their digital citizenship commitments. Display the pledges prominently in the classroom and revisit them periodically to reinforce the importance of responsible digital conduct.

Example of a student digital citizenship pledge

Note: This is just an example, and students can personalize their digital citizenship pledge based on their understanding and commitment to responsible and respectful digital behavior.

Digital Citizenship Lessons and Resources: Utilize various age-appropriate resources and lesson plans specifically designed to teach digital citizenship. Websites like Common Sense Education, Digital Citizenship Institute, and iKeepSafe offer a wealth of resources, including videos, interactive games, and lesson plans that cover different aspects of digital citizenship. These resources can provide structured guidance and engaging activities to supplement your teaching.

5 Digital Citizenship resources we can highly recommend

Common Sense Education ( https://www.commonsense.org/education/ ): Common Sense Education offers a wide range of resources, lesson plans, and interactive activities for teaching digital citizenship. The website provides engaging videos, games, and interactive lessons that cover various aspects of digital citizenship, including internet safety, privacy, online communication, and digital footprints.

Digital Passport ( https://www.digitalpassport.org/ ): Digital Passport, developed by Common Sense Education, is an interactive game-based website that allows students to explore different aspects of digital citizenship. Through engaging scenarios, students learn about internet safety, privacy, cyberbullying, and responsible online behavior. The website provides teachers with resources, including lesson plans and discussion guides.

Be Internet Awesome ( https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/ ): Developed by Google in partnership with experts in online safety, Be Internet Awesome offers interactive games and resources to teach students about critical digital citizenship skills. The website covers topics such as online privacy, security, responsible communication, and identifying fake news . It also includes a curriculum for educators to use in the classroom.

iKeepSafe ( https://ikeepsafe.org/ ): iKeepSafe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting digital citizenship, privacy, and internet safety. Their website provides a range of resources for educators, parents, and students. It includes lesson plans, videos, and interactive games that cover topics like online safety, cyberbullying prevention, information literacy, and responsible digital behavior.

Digital Citizenship Institute ( https://www.digitalcitizenship.net/ ): The Digital Citizenship Institute offers a wealth of resources and tools to teach students about responsible digital citizenship. The website provides educators with lesson plans, webinars, and research-based strategies for integrating digital citizenship into the curriculum. It covers topics such as digital footprints, online privacy, critical thinking, and global digital citizenship.

These websites offer valuable resources and engaging activities to help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Remember to review the content on these websites to ensure they align with your specific educational goals and requirements.

Authentic Practice and Digital Projects: Provide students with opportunities to apply digital citizenship skills and principles through authentic projects. Assign projects that require online research , collaboration, and the responsible use of digital tools. Emphasize the importance of citing sources, evaluating information critically, and respecting intellectual property. Encourage students to reflect on their digital choices and the impact of their online contributions. Students can internalize digital citizenship principles and apply them in real-world contexts by engaging in meaningful, hands-on activities.

Remember to adapt these strategies to the specific needs and age group of your students.

Assessing Digital Citizenship

As educators, we must assess our students’ digital citizenship skills to ensure they can navigate the digital world responsibly and ethically. While traditional assessment methods may not fully capture the nuances of digital citizenship, there are various strategies and tools that can help evaluate students’ understanding and application of these vital skills. In this article, we will explore practical approaches to assess students’ digital citizenship and promote their growth in this essential area.

Observation and Reflection: Observation is a powerful tool for assessing students’ digital citizenship. Take note of students’ online behavior, such as how they communicate, collaborate, and engage with others in digital spaces. Look for respectful and inclusive online interactions, responsible use of technology, and ethical decision-making. Reflect on these observations, considering the context and impact of their actions. Provide constructive feedback and engage students in reflective discussions to help them understand the consequences of their online behavior and how they can improve.

Self-Assessment and Digital Portfolios: Encourage students to assess their own digital citizenship skills through self-reflection. Provide them with rubrics or checklists that outline the key components of digital citizenship, such as privacy, respectful communication, critical evaluation of information, and responsible technology use. Ask students to evaluate their performance and identify areas for growth. Digital portfolios can also serve as a means for students to showcase their responsible online behavior, ethical contributions, and reflections on their digital citizenship journey.

Projects and Assignments: Assign projects and assignments that require students to apply their digital citizenship skills. For example, task students with creating multimedia presentations on responsible online behavior, or have them collaborate on a digital project while adhering to ethical guidelines. Assess their ability to cite sources, respect intellectual property, and engage in positive digital interactions. Rubrics can be created to evaluate their performance based on criteria related to digital citizenship, providing specific feedback on their strengths and areas that require improvement.

Digital Citizenship Quizzes and Assessments: Design short quizzes or assessments to gauge students’ understanding of digital citizenship concepts. Include questions that assess their knowledge of online safety, privacy settings, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible digital communication. These assessments can be administered in class or through digital platforms, providing immediate feedback to students. Use the results to identify areas where students need additional support or clarification, and adapt your teaching accordingly.

Peer Feedback and Evaluation: Promote peer assessment and feedback as a valuable tool for evaluating digital citizenship. Encourage students to review and provide constructive feedback on their peers’ online contributions, such as blog posts, digital presentations, or collaborative projects. Develop clear criteria for evaluation, emphasizing the importance of respectful and constructive feedback. This gives students a deeper understanding of digital citizenship and fosters a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining a positive digital culture.

Assessing students’ digital citizenship is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of observation, self-assessment, project-based evaluation, quizzes, and peer feedback. By implementing these strategies, we can gain valuable insights into students’ digital citizenship skills and guide their growth in this vital area.

As teachers, our role goes beyond imparting knowledge; we nurture responsible and ethical digital citizens. By employing these assessment strategies, we can evaluate students’ digital citizenship skills, provide targeted feedback, and support their development as responsible and confident participants in the digital world.

As technology continues to penetrate so much of our lives, many of these teaching ideas and strategies mentioned above will become less about teaching students to be upstanding digital citizens and more about becoming respectful, informed and active citizens, which can’t be a bad outcome.

Six Ways to Promote Digital Citizenship and Device Ownership

Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology and the internet. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that individuals need to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and respectfully. The purpose of promoting digital citizenship is to empower students to become responsible digital citizens who can make informed decisions, engage in positive online behavior, understand how to protect their privacy and security, and contribute positively to the digital community.

Let’s explore six strategies for promoting digital citizenship and device ownership among students in the classroom.

1. Teach responsible device use. 

Educating students on the proper use of devices extends beyond technical skills; it encompasses fostering a strong foundation of digital ethics. This involves teaching guidelines for appropriate online behavior, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ privacy, and addressing the critical issue of cyberbullying. Adopt a proactive approach and introduce these concepts when students are still in their formative years. Doing so will empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically throughout their lives.

One effective method to achieve this is by employing an engagement kit . An engagement kit can consist of age-appropriate resources, interactive activities, and engaging content tailored to the specific needs of young learners. These kits not only make learning about responsible device use fun and interactive but also help create a positive association with digital citizenship from an early age. By instilling these values in our little tech users, we lay a strong foundation for a future generation of responsible digital citizens who will contribute positively to the digital world.

2. Establish clear expectations. 

Setting clear rules and expectations for device usage in the classroom is fundamental to fostering responsible digital citizenship. These guidelines not only outline when and how devices should be used but also establish consequences for any misuse. Maintain consistency with your district’s universal device usage guidelines, ensuring that the information you share with your students aligns seamlessly with broader policies.

To further reinforce these expectations, consider incorporating visuals around the classroom or near areas where student devices are stored. Visual cues, such as posters or reminders, can serve as constant reminders of responsible device use, increasing the likelihood that students will hold themselves and their peers accountable for handling devices appropriately.

Resources: 

• Classroom Management Tips for Teachers (Google Docs)
• iPad, Chromebook, and Teacher Expectation Visuals (Canva)
• iPad Visual Cues (Canva)
• Classroom Signs (Google Slides)

3. Encourage collaboration and communication. 

Fostering a collaborative learning environment enriched by digital tools is not only conducive to academic growth but also a powerful vehicle for promoting responsible digital citizenship. When students work together using these tools, they not only learn subject matter but also valuable life skills.

In this environment, they acquire the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and respect the ideas and perspectives of others. These skills are not only essential in the classroom but also in the broader digital world where they will increasingly interact as they grow. Encouraging such collaboration also helps students develop a sense of digital responsibility as they engage with their peers online.

4. Provide resources and support. 

Offer resources and support to both students and educators to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. This can include workshops, online courses, or access to digital literacy resources. Bear in mind that digital citizenship content may not be suitable for all age groups. It’s important to customize the information to align with the specific requirements of your audience. Consider hosting device camps for students and their teachers to learn more about their device and how to properly use it.

• Digital Citizenship Week Resources (Common Sense Media)
• Maintaining Classroom Devices for Effective Learning (Edutopia)

5. Involve parents and guardians.

Engage parents and guardians in the conversation about digital citizenship and device ownership. Provide them with a wealth of resources and information to help reinforce responsible device use at home. These materials can empower them with the knowledge and tools needed to reinforce responsible digital practices within the home environment. Such resources might include informative pamphlets, educational workshops, or online guides that cover topics ranging from online safety to managing screen time.

Additionally, fostering open lines of communication with parents and guardians is crucial. Encourage them to share their concerns and experiences, allowing for a more collaborative approach to addressing digital citizenship issues. This dialogue not only strengthens the educational effort but also helps create a supportive home environment where responsible device use becomes a shared family value.

6. Celebrate responsible device use.

Additionally, remember that positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool. Recognizing and celebrating instances of responsible device usage can motivate students to maintain these behaviors. Consider implementing a system of rewards or acknowledgments for students who consistently exhibit exemplary digital citizenship, creating a culture where responsible device use is not only expected but also celebrated

Fostering digital citizenship among students is a paramount endeavor in today’s technology-driven world. By instilling responsible and ethical practices in the use of devices and the internet, we equip our students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital realm. These five strategies form a comprehensive approach to promoting digital citizenship and device ownership in the classroom. As educators, it’s our duty to empower our students to become responsible digital citizens who make informed decisions, contribute positively to the online community, protect their privacy and security, and practice respectful online behavior. Together, we can ensure that they navigate the digital world with confidence, competence, and compassion, both in the classroom and beyond.

Candice, the author of this article, is presenting two sessions at the upcoming 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas, February 3-7! Don’t miss the chance to see her in action for Becoming a Culture Unicorn: Mastering Blended Learning and Sipping Success: Set Up Blended Learning Like a Pro Barista . Early bird pricing ends on November 3, so hurry and register!

What is TCEA’s Convention & Exposition?

TCEA is a nonprofit association that gathers thousands of educators from around the world every year at the TCEA Convention & Exposition? Why? To connect, learn, and build skills and knowledge in the areas of good teaching, good leading, and good learning through ed tech! With top-notch speakers , on-trend sessions , an exhibit hall full of first-rate vendors, and lots of networking, TCEA sets educators up to dig into curiosity and discover.

Candice Adcock

Candice Adcock has been in education since 2014, working in Mesquite ISD. Prior to becoming an instructional technology coach, she taught 5th and 7th grade reading. She has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University- Commerce. Throughout the school year, Candance presents within her school district, for the City of Mesquite, and has presented for Lead4ward for the last six years. Candice is also a Certified Google Trainer. Outside of work, she enjoys attending her son’s soccer games, karaoke, and spending time camping with her family.

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The 2023 Guide to Digital Citizenship

Examine the full scope of digital citizenship and learn what it means to be a good digital citizen in 2023 and beyond..

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There’s no doubt about it: Digital technology and communication are now a central part of our everyday lives. The pandemic has accelerated global digital transformation by years , it’s become more important than ever to foster a strong societal knowledge and understanding of how to act responsibly online—in other words, how to practice good digital citizenship.

Digital citizenship encompasses the many facets of our online behavior: The way we communicate with others online, how we create and interact with digital media, how we share information (our own as well as others’), and the overall way in which we represent ourselves in digital spaces.

In many ways, it’s a natural extension of learning digital literacy. Once a person has a basic understanding of how to use digital tools and technologies, they must also understand how the ways they use them can impact their own life and potentially the lives of others as well.

In this guide, we’ll examine the full scope of digital citizenship and explore what it means to be a good digital citizen in 2023 and beyond.

Quick Takeaways:

• Digital citizenship encompasses standards, expectations, and laws about how people should and, in many cases, are required to behave online.
• There are legal and rules-based components to digital citizenship (ex: privacy laws) as well as common-sense ones (ex: respect for others).
• Digital literacy, online safety awareness, and knowledge of the digital footprint are foundational building blocks for digital citizenship.
• Specific practices you can adopt to be a good digital citizen include: digital etiquette, empathy, respect for privacy and intellectual property, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

What is digital citizenship and why does it matter?

Digital citizenship means bringing the practices of good citizenship we use in the real world to the digital world in which we now engage so heavily. According to Pew Research Center , 85% of American adults are online several times per day. More than a third say they are on the internet “almost constantly.”

Pew Research

In a world where so much of our human interaction happens digitally, it’s critical to prioritize responsible behavior online. Just as we aim to be respectful, responsible, and engaged members of our communities, the same principles apply when navigating the online landscape.

Further, it’s important for people—especially young people growing up online—to understand that the choices we make in digital spaces have real-world impacts and consequences.

Digital citizenship and the ability to practice it influences the overall health of individual online users and online communities. It contributes to positive online environments where people can express themselves freely and engage meaningfully with others.

It also empowers people to protect themselves from inevitable risks and pitfalls that exist online, such as poor treatment from others or cyber crimes.

All in all, digital citizenship encompasses standards set by society and, in many cases, governments and law enforcement agencies for how people should act in digital settings. These standards serve as a guide for successfully participating in online discourse and leveraging digital tools in our everyday lives.

3 Building blocks for digital citizenship

Before we dive into specific practices of digital citizenship, it’s important to understand the key building blocks that set the foundation for any person to be a good digital citizen. They are:

Digital and media literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to use and understand digital tools and technologies successfully. It includes knowing how to operate hardware like computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as how to navigate online spaces like social media platforms, email, search engines, chat, and more.

Under the umbrella of digital literacy is media literacy, or the ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and understand various forms of media that exist online. This includes any form of online content, like social media posts, news, emails, images, and downloadable assets (among others).

Digital Media Literacy Core Competencies | mediasmarts-9

Digital and media literacy are the foundational skills needed to practice digital citizenship. They allow a person to assess their environment accurately and fully to make informed decisions about how to act, just as we do in real-world situations.

Online safety awareness

Online safety awareness in the context of digital citizenship entails understanding potential online risks and taking proactive measures to avoid them. It involves safeguarding personal information, managing strong passwords, recognizing phishing, and using secure websites.

It also means not engaging in behavior that could potentially put others at risk, like sharing a person’s likeness without their knowledge or unintentionally sending compromised content.

Online safety awareness empowers individuals to navigate the digital landscape securely, protect privacy, and contribute positively to the online community.

Knowledge of the digital footprint

Having knowledge of the digital footprint means understanding that online actions leave a trace. Every post, search, and interaction contributes to this footprint, shaping a person’s online identity.

Cyber Security Services Company, UK | Information Security (thecyphere.com)

It’s crucial for individuals to be mindful of what they share as it impacts how they’re perceived as well as their online safety. Awareness of the digital footprint helps people maintain oversight and control of their online presence, protect their personal information, and make responsible choices in the digital world.

How to be a good digital citizen

With the building blocks of digital citizenship in place, individuals are able to implement behaviors and practices online that make them good digital citizens and positive contributors to online spaces. Here are some of the most impactful ways you can practice digital citizenship every day:

Show digital etiquette

Display courteous and respectful behavior online. This involves using proper language, tone, and manners in digital communication. Whether in emails, comments, or social media posts, maintaining a considerate and professional demeanor contributes to a positive online atmosphere.

Respect individual privacy

Protect others’ personal information as you would your own. Avoid sharing sensitive details without permission, and be cautious about tagging or mentioning others in posts. Respecting privacy builds trust and fosters a safe online environment.

Practice empathy

Recognize the diverse perspectives and feelings of those you interact with online. Empathy promotes understanding and prevents misunderstandings or conflicts. Thoughtfully considering others’ viewpoints enriches digital conversations and interactions.

Respect intellectual property

Honor the work of content creators by crediting them appropriately and seeking permission for use when needed. Plagiarism and copyright infringement can damage reputations and undermine the online creative community. Uphold ethical standards by respecting intellectual property rights of others.

Use critical thinking

Evaluate the information you encounter online. Assess the credibility of sources, question the accuracy of claims, and distinguish between reliable information and misinformation. Critical thinking empowers you to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to discussions.

Participate in civic engagement

Engage actively and responsibly in online communities, discussions, and causes. Share your knowledge, opinions, and ideas constructively. Positive civic engagement contributes to a more vibrant digital society where diverse voices can contribute to positive change.

Report harmful behavior

Don’t just be a bystander when others fail to practice digital citizenship. Take action against harmful or inappropriate content. If you encounter cyberbullying, harassment, hate speech, or any form of harmful behavior online, report it to appropriate platforms or authorities. Reporting helps to maintain a safe online environment for everyone.

The final word on digital citizenship

There’s no stopping our trajectory toward an ever-increasingly digital world. Digital citizenship is what allows us to enjoy the many benefits that digital technology offers—worldwide connectivity, information democratization, access to education and employment opportunities, and more—while also feeling safe and secure in the digital spaces where we interact.

At Viasat, digital citizenship is an important part of our digital inclusion and digital literacy initiatives, which aim to ensure people in every community around the globe have the online tools, knowledge, and resources they need to actively participate in our modern, digitally-driven society.

Visit our website to learn more about our current projects

How to Teach Digital Citizenship

Teaching digital citizenship is the job of all educators--here’s how to prepare them

Thanks to the pandemic, technology is now ubiquitous in school districts. As a result, all teachers must partake in the work of engaging students in a dialogue around responsible digital interactions. Schools are operating in a new normal, in which the importance and benefits of a digital education are clear. School and district leaders have finally taken more seriously the work of bridging the digital divide. They are ensuring their students and staff have the technology and internet connectivity needed for success in modern times. 

Along with this shift comes the responsibility of ensuring every educator understands the importance of digital citizenship to them personally, how to support conversations in the classroom, and how to incorporate digital citizenship at every grade level. While most schools taught students about digital citizenship prior to the pandemic, a designated teacher such as the technology teacher or librarian was usually responsible for this. Today, every teacher is using digital learning tools, and therefore can and should be teaching digital citizenship as students create, collaborate and connect using technology for learning.

Today, students need to have a better understanding of their digital footprint, how to effectively communicate, the tools they can use, how to find information, strategies for when they feel unsafe online, and what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior. In the 2021-22 school year, educators experienced an increase in behavioral and inappropriate language issues that have made the school year more challenging. We don’t want inappropriate digital citizenship to impede sound teaching, learning, and relationship building. In some cases this has happened when students acted inappropriately online, or brought online challenges and language into their classrooms. 

Moving forward, it’s imperative that educators don't use these mistakes as a reason to stop engaging students with technology. Instead, these incidents can be teachable moments. When students’ make poor choices, we can take the time to help them understand their actions and discover how to make more informed and responsible choices. 

We also must ensure teachers understand that they are role models online just as they are in person. As stated in this New York Post article , teachers are routinely monitored online by their students. “They see us on Twitter, on Instagram,” one school staff member said. This is no surprise. Our students are growing up digital and they look to see how their teachers are behaving in these spaces.

While this may feel uncomfortable, our students deserve an education that prepares them for success in both their online and in-person lives. 

Here’s how to get started: 

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Establish Norms 

Establishing norms around how technology is used inside and outside of the classroom is a great way to begin the school year. 

This effort can include considerations such as:

• How do you ask a question? 
• How do you give feedback? 
• When do you speak? 
• What are protocols to ensure we're not interrupting? 
• How do we ensure all voices are heard? 
• When do you use the chat? 
• When do you use reactions or hand signals? 
• What do students do when classes are recorded? 

Remember, you can revisit and revise norms as needed. For example, when someone within the community goes against the agreed-upon norms, it can be an opportunity to review and discuss parameters. At that time you can determine whether the behavior or the norm should change. 

Assign Roles

Talk to your class about roles students may take on when learning online. Roles might include some of the following: 

Chat moderator  

• Moderates chat by bringing questions and feedback to the teacher’s attention. 
• Answers questions and provides information. 
• Provides useful links and information about what is being taught and discussed. 

Tech support

• Helps other students with any tech issues. 

Behavior moderator

• This person brings any issues to the attention of the teacher. 

It may take some time to determine which students might be best for each role. You could assign roles based on student strengths and rotate assignments (like class jobs in a physical classroom). Or, you might want to have students apply for a role and interview for the job. Selected candidates may be able to have the position and/or be backed up at different times. Roles could be swapped out each week or month as makes sense. 

Determine Best Practices for Technology-Rich Learning 

Here are some of the best practices that successful educators use when using technology in the classroom: 

Build in time before class to set up your activity and time after class to close out

• Set-up includes: Checking equipment; queuing up presentation materials and any websites/resources 
• Close out includes: Leaving time for Q & A; sending post-lesson evaluations; and providing one-on-one support for any students who might need it 

Note that there may be students in your class who are able to support this.

Have an opening slide so students know what they’re about to learn  

• Include any relevant links to materials such as the agenda and other helpful information that students might need during the lesson 

Have an agenda slide to help keep the lesson on track and to ensure students know what to expect  

• Within the agenda have links to the presentation, resources, etc.
• Set permissions so that students can view (not edit) the agenda  

Set time up for free talk at the beginning and end  

• Having time at the end can be a reward for staying on task and can help avoid social distractions during the lesson 

Bring the energy!  

• Not every lesson will be exciting or engaging, however, it's important to speak clearly and be present. 
• No one likes hearing from someone that speaks in a monotone or stumbles through long-winded narratives.

Know your audience

• Anticipate possible questions and ways you might address each one 

Be reflective  

• Ask for feedback from your students on how the lesson went. Perhaps provide a short evaluation such as rate and comment on the lesson 

Engage Families 

Many schools got creative when connecting with families during the pandemic. They connected with families more than ever to support their students. Developing responsible digital citizens happens best when teachers partner with families to support students. Fortunately, there is help to do so. 

Common Sense Education has a free Family Engagement Implementation Guide that provides a three-step process for setting up family involvement throughout the year. Highlights include a family engagement toolkit for educators and family advocates that provides valuable tips and tools to share with parents and caregivers.

The K-12 digital citizenship curriculum has family tips and activities , in multiple languages, in each of the curriculum topics including conversation starters for parents and caregivers to have meaningful conversations with their kids around media and tech use. Additionally, Common Sense’s  research-based family resources cover several digital citizenship topics via articles , videos, handouts, workshops and presentations. 

Parents and caregivers of children ages 3-11 can also sign up for Common Sense’s Tips by Text , where they can receive tips and advice straight from their phones, at no cost in Spanish and English. 

Common Sense Latino is for Spanish-speaking families where they can find resources that are both linguistically and culturally relevant. 

If you're working specifically with younger age children (under 8), Common Sense's Early Childhood Toolkit is another great resource for helping families nurture young children's development and executive functioning skills in the digital age, with six scripted workshops in English and Spanish. 

Select a Digital Citizenship Curriculum 

Schools can select Free Digital Citizenship Sites, Lessons and Activities to use in their school . Ideally these lessons would be taught by a variety of staff throughout the school year. 

Become Recognized 

Common Sense Education enables educators, schools, and districts to become recognized for leading digital teaching and citizenship in today’s classrooms. 

The Common Sense Recognition Program provides the latest teaching strategies and ensures those who participate receive well-deserved credit for their work. A Common Sense Educator , School , or District , will learn to lead responsible and effective tech use in their school communities and build their practice along the way. 

It’s free to participate in this program.

 Grow Your Digital Citizenship Knowledge 

Common Sense Education is perhaps the most well known source for guidance on digital citizenship. 

Here are some resources that can help teachers as they incorporate more technology into their teaching and learning.

• Digital citizenship self-paced workshop - In this one-hour interactive training, you'll learn the six core concepts of digital citizenship and explore how you can integrate Common Sense's curricular lessons into your classroom. Educators who complete this course will earn a certificate of completion.  
•   Protecting student privacy cours e - Learn why students' online privacy is important and best practices for managing the risk to your students when using technology. In this one-hour interactive training, you'll explore specific tools and methods for assessing the privacy and security of products commonly used in the classroom. Educators who complete this course will earn a certificate of completion. 
• Digital citizenship playlist : 12-minute how-to videos on digital dilemmas, digital interactives, quick activities, and a SEL in Digital Life Resource Center.
• Common Sense webinars (approximately 30 - 60 min) on a range of topics.  
• Do’s and Don'ts of Social Media for the Classroom - Learn how to keep student information confidential on social media.  
• How to Get Kids Ready to Video Chat for Online Classes - Short article with helpful tips on how to prepare students for online learning. 
• Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts - Learn why kids participate in viral social media challenges and how you can help them make responsible decisions.
• 9 Digital Etiquette Tips - Teaching students how to navigate the digital world in a socially acceptable way starts with modeling good behavior.

As schools move to a new normal that values digital learning, it is more important than ever to establish norms, assign roles, determine best practices, select a curriculum, know resources, involve families, and become recognized for this work. Each of these elements will be crucial to ensure the comfort and success of our teachers, students, and their families. 

• Microsoft Teams Tips and Tricks for Teachers
• 6 Tips to Ensure Free Education Apps Are Safe

Lisa Nielsen  ( @InnovativeEdu ) has worked as a public-school educator and administrator since 1997. She is a prolific writer best known for her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator . Nielsen is the author of several books  and her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times,  The Wall Street Journal , and Tech & Learning.  

Disclaimer : The information shared here is strictly that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of her employer.

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Digital Citizenship and Netiquette: A Teacher’s Guide

The purpose of this resource is to provide teachers and parents with a guide for teaching digital citizenship and netiquette to students. Here, you’ll find the definition of “ digital citizenship ” as well as its application in the classroom and beyond. You’ll learn how to teach safety and privacy in an  online learning environment , and about cyberbullying and how to prevent it. Furthermore, we’ll cover digital property and copyright laws, with an emphasis on preventing plagiarism and encouraging fair use online.

The internet can be a dangerous place for students, where mistakes can have grave consequences. Alternatively, the internet can be a great place for students to learn, get a jumpstart on the future, and connect with each other.

With proper education on the issues covered in this guide, students can learn about internet safety and may be better prepared to reap its benefits, while steering clear of the potential pitfalls.

As a teacher or parent (or both), you know that an interactive dialogue with students is essential to education. Students learn when they are engaged and thinking critically about the material. To teach kids about digital citizenship, you must spark their interest and engage them in a dialogue. Fortunately, kids are usually intrigued by the internet. Educating a child on digital citizenship is a matter of relating the interest they already have with your knowledge on this important subject.

What Does ‘Digital Citizenship’ Mean, and How Does It Apply to the Classroom?

Ann Collier of  NetFamilyNews defines digital citizenship as , “Critical thinking and ethical choices about the content and impact on oneself, others, and one’s community of what one sees, says, and produces with media, devices, and technology.”

As it applies specifically to the internet, digital citizenship is the set of best practices that describe how a person can navigate safely, ethically, and appropriately on the World Wide Web. This includes efficacy — a digital citizen who adheres to best practices is able to use the internet effectively, for whatever lawful purpose, without compromising their security and that of others.

A good digital citizen knows which types of websites, apps, and online interactions to stay away from, as well as what types of websites are reliable sources of information. They also know what a digital footprint is, and that visiting certain websites and downloading certain files compromises it.

When it comes to cyberbullying and privacy, a good digital citizen follows something akin to the golden rule of the internet: when you engage with others online, treat them the way you want to be treated. This brings us to netiquette.

What Is Netiquette?

Netiquette is a portmanteau of network and etiquette.  According to Encyclopedia Britannica , netiquette is a set of “guidelines for courteous communication in the online environment.” Netiquette guidelines include rules for both social interaction and technical activities on the internet.

Albion, the longest-running commercial site on the web, includes a resource on the  core rules of netiquette , from Virginia Shea’s book,  Netiquette . The core netiquette rules are:

• Remember there’s a human on the other side of your digital interaction , whether that interaction takes place on social media, email, or forum.
• Apply your normal standards of behavior  to your behavior online.
• Be aware of context , and tailor your communications accordingly. Different forums, websites, blogs, and social media platforms have varying community standards, which are often stated onsite.
• Shea says to “ respect other people’s time and bandwidth .” This means users shouldn’t post content that doesn’t belong on a particular website or forum, nor should they post spam or needlessly long content.
• Don’t post something that will embarrass you  and make you look bad. Posting tone-deaf, inappropriate, profane, or unlawful content is one of the major  social media mishaps  you should avoid.
• Prioritize and share content from verifiable, expert sources . Avoid sharing content that is questionable in its veracity (fake news).
• Avoid excessive trolling and “flaming”  — flaming is intense, heated, and argumentative discussion, while trolling is abusive and subversive comments.
• Respect human privacy ; don’t use digital technology to spy on other people.
• If you’re in a position of power, don’t abuse it . Moderators and administrators must not shut down certain users arbitrarily.
• Be graceful and  forgive people their mistakes .

Just as proper table manners are a part of dining with a group, netiquette is a part of digital citizenship. Unfortunately, many members of the online community don’t have proper table manners. However, children are now digital natives from a very young age — teachers and parents are well-equipped to influence them positively.

The classroom is the training ground for digital citizenship and netiquette. Through primers, exercises, and discussion, students learn the best practices of digital citizenship in a structured environment. They learn how to use the internet to accomplish goals, and how to be critical of content. Teachers accomplish this through curriculum and hands-on exercises specifically tailored to match practice to curriculum.

Digital Citizenship Curriculum Overview

Any discussion of digital citizenship should include “ Vicki Davis’ “9 Key P’s.”  Teachers and parents can use the 9 P’s to shape and curate digital citizenship curriculum. Because the 9 P’s cover a lot of important ground, there are many corresponding resources you can use to create your curriculum.

Here are the subjects that the 9 P’s address:

• Password protection : Students must understand how to create secure passwords, lvary them, and store them safely. For a good place to start, the  Cyberbullying Research Center has a teen-specific resource  you can easily adapt to younger age groups.
• Privacy : When it comes to internet safety, kids need to know if and when it’s appropriate to share private information that entities can use to identify them. However, they may not be concerned about this issue. The Common Sense Media curriculum helps you answer the question, “ what’s the big deal about internet privacy? ” (grades 9-12).
• Personal content : Predators and bullies can’t necessarily identify students through their personal information, such as their favorite color or the name of their dog. However, it’s still not wise for students to share too much information, particularly on social media platforms. Parentinfo.org helps  separate the myths from the facts .
• Photographs : Alert students to the fact that prying eyes can use photos they upload to determine their location and software can identify them through facial recognition technology. Here again, they should think carefully before sharing on social media. Davis’  Location Based Safety Guide  addresses this issue.
• Property rights : When it comes to images, digital citizenship requires students to respect copyright laws. Cult of Pedagogy has a resource on  teaching students to use images legally online .
• Permission to use images : Students must attribute the image’s source to obtain permission for its use. Here’s more information on  copyright, fair use, and creative commons , as well as a usable  curriculum on proper image attribution .
• Protection against cyber hackers : Due to the growing prevalence of cyber hackers, it’s important to educate students about them. The Department of Homeland Security has a good  cybersecurity  starting point for educators. Additionally, educators with an  online bachelor’s degree  or an  online master’s degree  in cybersecurity are well-prepared to tackle this subject.
• Professionalism : Middle school and high school educators can begin informing students on professional standards, including  citing sources  and using proper grammar.
• Personal branding : The Huffington Post explains that  building a personal brand  is important for any high school student seeking to go to college. PwC provides a  workbook  on personal branding.

The above resources provide a starting point for the 9 P’s — there’s a wealth of information about these topics available on and offline. Next, we’ll delve into one of the most important subject for kids who are active on the internet: safety and privacy.

Teaching Safety and Privacy in an Online Learning Environment

Being able to navigate the internet safely is a necessary  computer skill for kids . Internet safety applies both to human users and the information and equipment they leverage online. There are hackers and cyber bullies who seek to compromise networks at schools and in homes. At the same time, there are users who seek to gain access to personal information and try to lure people into vulnerable situations. Staying safe requires an understanding of responsible behavior and responsible use of equipment and resources.

Understanding Digital Footprints

To begin, students should be aware of their digital footprint and its implications. A digital footprint is the unseen record of a user’s activities online, including the websites they visit and the files and apps they download. The footprint exists in passive form, as when a website records a user’s IP address as a “hit” — which includes information about how long they spent on the site and the pages they visited — or in active form, as when a user logs in to a site and makes changes to their profile and/or the content they post.

The  implications of a student’s digital footprint  are as follows:

• If your student posts inappropriate pictures or comments on social media or elsewhere, the  content will remain online indefinitely unless removed .
• Predators and hackers can access location data  through social media pictures and — via the dark web — can purchase data on browsing history and other sensitive data in an effort to target users.
• Colleges and potential employers can look at a student’s digital footprint  —  including their social media footprint — to determine whether they want to admit or hire the student.

Social media is just one place where people can examine a student’s digital footprint. A simple search on Google and any other search engine can reveal information a student doesn’t know is still there, such as profiles they created on old sites.

To schools, teachers, and future employers, the records of a student’s online activities — especially their social media posts — provide a picture of the student’s digital citizenship, which reflects on their ethics and everyday interactions.

Teaching Middle School Students About Their Digital Footprint

To teach middle school students (grades 6-8) about their digital footprints, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Acquaint them with the nature of digital media : “ Digital Life 101 ” provides students with a primer on the always-on nature of digital media and helps them analyze why it’s important to engage in online relationships responsibly.
• Encourage them to respect others’ privacy : “ Secret Sharer ” encourages students to take a proactive approach in understanding the importance of online privacy.
• Encourage safe talk : “ Safe Online Talk ” provides a short video, a guided class discussion, and a handout to help students understand the importance of avoiding risky conversations online.
• Help them think about how they present themselves online : “ Which Me Should I Be? ” poses the prospect of assuming a different identity online, provides a video to prompt discussion, and includes a handout to help students think ethically about posing as someone else.
• Teach them the common sense basics of internet safety :  Common Sense on Internet Safety for Middle School Kids  is a resource teachers and parents can share in your efforts to teach them the essentials of internet safety. It includes information on
• What information they shouldn’t share
• Which emails they shouldn’t open
• A basic rule for sharing photos
• Password privacy (parents should have access)
• Encouragement to tell a trusted adult when something weird happens
• Additionally strategies for internet safety

Middle schoolers are just beginning to step out into an intriguing online world where they can potentially talk to anyone and be anybody. Impart critical thinking skills so they can realize newfound independence without stepping into the danger zone.

Teaching High School Students About Their Digital Footprint

To teach high school students (grades 9-12) about their digital footprints, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Start by talking about relationships : By high school, kids are fully immersed in the social aspect of the internet. “ Risky Online Relationships ” sets up a discussion about “stranger danger,” unpacks the term “online predator,” and presents a story to help high schoolers think about how to avoid risky online relationships.
• Look at the major privacy and internet safety topics from a parent’s perspective : Common Sense Media’s collection of  internet safety topics  addresses major issues such as the dark web, privacy settings on Instagram and Facebook, and what to do when a teen’s device gets hacked. Teachers can use this portal to tailor lessons to address the issues parents are dealing with every day.
• Teach privacy by sharing stories and solutions :  Teaching Privacy’s portal on digital footprints  shares real-world stories on people whose digital footprint came back to bite them, and provides information as well as guides on how to customize digital technology for optimum privacy.

High schoolers are confident digital natives who want to hear the facts and solutions concerning their digital footprints so they can decide for themselves. Parental and school filters aren’t necessarily going to keep them from illegally downloading files and engaging in risky interactions online. It’s the educators’ and parents’ job to help them think critically and ethically about internet safety, in part by modeling digital citizenship.

How to Model Digital Citizenship

Modeling digital citizenship is about giving attention to good behavior and “walking the talk” that students hear from authorities on this subject. In other words, if you see a student practicing digital citizenship, commend them for it, and do your best to be a digital citizen they look up to.

As students practice digital citizenship, help them build self-confidence in the classroom by engaging them in  activities that help build self-esteem . Combining digital citizenship with confidence-boosting activities helps students build associative pathways that link a positive self-image with digital citizenship and netiquette.

Furthermore, since your students are undoubtedly on social media, consider the best practices for modeling positive interaction on the medium. Nikki Robertson, president-elect of the  International Society for Technology in Education  (ISTE) Librarians Network, recommends the following:

• Walk students individually through safe social media usage , from creating a profile to curating friends and followers to posting content.
• In the classroom, access your own social media account for the students to see and  show how to connect with experts, authors, and positive influencers .
• Set up a classroom social media account and give each student the chance to “take over,”  meaning they get to post pictures and videos of their favorite educational activities. Make sure the rules are well established.
• Monitor students’ social media usage, and  when they make a mistake  — such as accepting a friend request from someone they don’t know —  use it as an opportunity  to create a discussion about digital citizenship.

The key is to embrace social media, model positive usage, and set clear expectations and boundaries.

Next, study the  Educator’s Guide to Social Media , which provides “a framework for thinking about how to best use social media.” The guide covers ways to protect your privacy on various social networks, how best to interact with students on social media, protecting student privacy, and a host of other relevant topics, including cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying Awareness and Prevention

Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology to harass, intimidate, threaten, or humiliate a victim. A cyberbully may use texts, social media, email, websites, or website comment boards and forums to troll and bully victims.

In a survey conducted by educators from the Cyberbullying Research Center, nearly  61% of students  said they had been bullied online, to the extent that their “ability to learn and feel safe” was affected. Of those who had been cyberbullied, 10% said they had stayed home from school because of it.

To promote internet safety, digital citizenship, and netiquette, it’s crucial to curb cyberbullying. Because cyberbullying affects a student’s psychological well-being and can lead to physical abuse, you must be prepared to help students deal with it.

Teaching Middle School Students About Cyberbullying

To help middle school students handle cyberbullies, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Provide them with a go-to list of tips : The “ ABC’s of Cyberbullying for Students ” is a simple list of easy ways for students to keep from becoming victims of cyberbullying.
• Encourage them to stand up for themselves and others : “ Cyberbullying: Be Upstanding ” helps students distinguish between being a bystander and an upstander, provides a handout that helps them understand why they should care, and helps them think of concrete solutions to cyberbullying.
• Engage them with multimedia activities that tell stories :  NetSmartz Lesson Plans  include videos, interactive comics, worksheets, and interactive activities to engage students and help them think about the potential consequences of their actions online.

Middle schoolers know all about bullying, but many of them may not be aware of cyberbullying yet (even if they’ve experienced it), because kids are used to thinking of bullying in the physical sense. Give them illustrations and solutions, and help them engage in a discussion to recognize the different forms bullying, and cyberbullying, can take. Most importantly, work to gain their trust and encourage them to tell you if an incident occurs.

Teaching High School Students About Cyberbullying

To help high school students handle cyberbullies, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Give them the facts and promote awareness : The Anti-Defamation League’s  statistics on bullying  provides the statistical picture so that cyberbully victims know they’re not alone and cyberbullies know people are aware of what they’re doing. Often awareness is the first step to change.
• Engage them with multimedia activities that tell stories : Like middle schoolers, today’s high schoolers are more likely to be engaged through visual and interactive formats.  NetSmartz lesson plans  for high schoolers help these students understand the subject.
• Provide a guide : HelpGuide’s “ Bullying and Cyberbullying ” guide explains cyberbullying, its effects, the reasons why bullies do what they do, tips on how to deal with it, support mechanisms and strategies, and includes an informative sections for teachers and parents.

Help high schoolers understand they can get help and help others fight cyberbullying. Remind them to save evidence of cyberbullying and report incidents to a trusted adult.

Cyberbullying can include incidents in which a bully steals another student’s identity or digital property with malicious intent. In that sense, it’s helpful to acquaint students with the idea of digital property and its importance.

Copyright and Digital Property

As any teacher knows, plagiarism is a major issue, and any discussion of digital citizenship and netiquette inevitably must answer the question, “What is plagiarism?” To answer this question in a way that is relevant to the internet age, you must first establish the idea of digital property.

Digital Property

Digital property is any data someone can access digitally, including any kind of file, website and social media accounts, images, intellectual property (such as articles and blog posts), software, and contracts. Unless data is marked as fair use and available to the commons, it is someone’s property and is subject to  digital copyright law .

Copyright Law and Digital Property

Copyright law applies to any digital work that is fixed in a tangible medium (i.e. on a hard drive, in the cloud, on a USB drive), original, and creative. The law specifies that creativity can be very minimal and elementary (e.g. a stick-figure cartoon or game). For your work to qualify for copyright, it must be entirely your own. If you plagiarize a blog post and post it on your own site, you are responsible for copyright violation. The second you create an original work under your name, whether online or off, it’s subject to copyright law, meaning other people can’t use it without your permission.

For students, the common issues are plagiarism and illegal downloads. There’s also the issue of making hard copies and sharing documents that do not have a  Creative Commons license , or using copyrighted works under the auspices of fair use.

What Is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism isn’t just the act of using another person’s words and claiming they’re your own — it’s the act of appropriating another person’s ideas or thoughts as well. In short, plagiarism is the act of stealing someone’s work and passing it off as your own.

This applies to images, blog posts, songs — any sort of data that qualifies as the creator’s original work. Even if a creation is licensed under the most lenient  Creative Commons stipulation (CC BY) , and the student can “distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon” the creation, a student must attribute the source of the creation.

What Is Fair Use?

U.S. copyright law  permits the “unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances.” In layman’s terms, students and educators can most likely use a copyrighted work if:

• It’s for educational purposes
• It’s a factual or biographical work rather than an artistic, creative one
• It’s a small portion of the work that doesn’t capture the “heart” of it, or the way in which the student uses the entire work is such that it creates a brand new, original thing (collage or parody)
• It doesn’t affect the work’s current or future market value

Courts determine whether the use is fair on a case-by-case basis.

Fair Use Resources:

Creative Commons : Search portal for all content with a Creative Commons license

Canva : Free online tool that enables photo editing and graph creation, and houses a wide variety of document templates

Clipchamp : Free online tool that enables video editing

Illegal Downloads

In one case,  a student had to pay $675,000 for illegally downloading  and distributing 30 songs. Under federal law, the penalty is anywhere from $750 to $30,000 per copyright infringement. Students may be tempted to illegally download the type of digital property most stringently protected by copyright law: songs, movies, and other creative, original work. They should be reminded of their digital footprint and the penalties they could face for downloading.

Teaching Middle School Students About Copyright and Digital Property

To teach middle school students about copyright and digital property, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Help them understand what qualifies as “fair use” : “ Rework, Reuse, Remix ” is a hands-on lesson that teaches students about the four points of fair use by incorporating critical thinking, and students create an original work through fair use.
• Use a story to help them think about the responsibility of a creator : “ A Creator’s Responsibilities ” tells the story of a cut-and-paste artist, examines further case studies, and helps students consider the ethical implications of this type of artistry.
• Encourage students to view themselves as both consumers and creators : Copyright & Creativity for Ethical Digital Citizens provides a  middle school curriculum  with sections that explain students’ role, how to acquire and share content legally and ethically, and how to create new content via fair use.
• Help them understand the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing : “ Exploring Plagiarism, Copyright, and Paraphrasing ” is a lesson plan that emphasises the importance of avoiding plagiarism and, through interactive practice, shows students the difference between plagiarism and fair use, as well as paraphrasing.

Middle schoolers are at critical time in their lives where they must gain a clear impression of digital ownership boundaries. Help them understand the problem with plagiarism by impressing upon them how it would feel if someone stole their work, as well as the consequences they could face from educators and authorities. Additionally, acquaint them with the flexibility and possibilities of appropriate fair use.

Teaching High School Students About Copyright and Digital Property

To teach high school students about copyright and digital property, consider the following best practices and resources:

• Engage them through an activity that asks them to choose : After explaining copyright law and fair use, “ Copyrights and Wrongs ” provides a handout that has students pretend they are an ad executive who has to apply what they’ve learned to the act of choosing a photo for an ad campaign.
• Show them videos to illustrate what they must consider : Copyright & Creativity for Ethical Digital Citizens provides a  high school curriculum  with video-based lessons that address their role as creators and consumers, how to acquire and share content legally and ethically, as well as the rules for fair use, creative commons, permissions, and public domain.
• Use college-level writing lab resources to prevent plagiarism : The  Purdue Owl writing lab  contains resources for teachers, including lessons on preventing plagiarism.

High schoolers are enamored with much of what they see online, and they want freedom. Give them plenty of preparation on fair use and provide them with resources to promote it.

The internet is a powerful tool for social networking, research, and education, and it has become almost ubiquitous in modern schools and households alike. Like any tool, though, it has potential for abuse and requires thoughtful use. Students and educators at every level can benefit enormously from learning to be more conscientious users, and understanding the risks and responsibilities of going online in the modern internet age.

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Critical Digital Citizenship: Promoting Empathy and Social Justice Online

I wrote Critical Citizenship for Critical Times in 2013, responding to the political upheaval in Egypt. I argued that teaching critical thinking traditionally promotes skepticism (a good thing, particularly when authorities like the government are corrupt or untrustworthy like the media) but what ended up happening in Egypt is that those who questioned media and political power turned their advocacy into oppositional advocacy that topples regimes but does little to co-construct a better future. I suggested we reconsider what we mean by “critical,” and proposed that universities aim to promote criticality that centers around social justice and empathy as a more fruitful approach than one centered on skepticism and antagonism. Critical thinking as social justice is mainly influenced by the work of Paulo Freire and other critical pedagogues:

The end goal of critical thinking is to challenge the status quo in order to achieve social justice, collectively raising consciousness of conditions promoting oppression in order to achieve liberation. It is a form of critical thinking that promotes praxis — reflective action based on knowledge, rather than mere activism … or speech and dialogue unaccompanied by action …. It is not mere skepticism about separate facts, it is value-driven and historically situated questioning of power structures that lie beneath the surface.

The idea of criticality that emphasizes empathy is influenced by Women’s Ways of Knowing and Edward Said’s philological hermeneutics — both of which propose empathizing with and trying to understand the point of view of the “other” first, in order to engage with them instead of approaching them with skepticism.

Global Digital Citizenship

Today, I’m thinking about digital citizenship, and what it would mean to develop critical digital citizenship on the premises of empathy and social justice. I find myself having really strong reactions to #Brexit, Donald Trump and things happening very far away from me in the past few years, highlighted by hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #IllRideWithYou. It isn’t merely global citizenship, but very specifically digital citizenship because my connection to many of these is heavily influenced by social media and what my friends and acquaintances all over the world are saying on social media and on their blogs, much more so than traditional media or in-person interactions.

I am also thinking about digital citizenship because of the current #DigCiz conversation, organized by Autumm Caines and Sundi Richard (Follow the hashtag on Twitter, or visit the website ). I am helping facilitate a week in July discussing digital literacies , which encompass citizenship and critical literacy. If you are interested in finding resources on digital citizenship in general, check out these resources curated by Alec Couros and these 9 elements of digital citizenship. While working on this post, I noticed on DML central that Erica Hodgin wrote a piece on integrating digital literacy and civic engagement in schools , and Liz Losh wrote a piece on advocating for online privacy .

Social Justice Potential

My focus is on the potential of the digital in promoting empathetic and social justice-oriented critical citizenship, rather than digital citizenship in general.

Digital citizenship could express the digital dimension of our local citizenship. For example, social media use during the Arab Spring  for advocacy and collective action. Howard Rheingold had with an Egyptian activist who tells us how social media empowered him to do things he could not do face-to-face as a citizen. Digital citizenship augments our embodied citizenship, which can be limited by circumstance and safety concerns.

Digital citizenship promotes global citizenship when our digital presence makes us share virtual space with others, regardless of geography. It is tempting, but dangerous, to imagine this virtual space as “one.” We are not all equal in that space. Some of us are louder, more visible, and some of us more vulnerable. However, social media creates opportunities for connecting as global citizens on a day-to-day and even moment-to-moment and public basis that were not present beforehand.

The digital can make it both easier and harder to develop the aspects of critical citizenship I proposed three years ago. The need for critical information and media literacy is obvious. With social media, even more than the internet as a whole, there is a pressing need to question the credibility of sources, the interpretation of data, the agendas of those publishing and promoting certain viewpoints, and the algorithms and mechanisms by which all of these become prominent in our lives. There are important concerns about privacy and awareness of what we share and how we share it, and with whom we share it, as we have invisible audiences to consider (as danah boyd points out ). With the growth of citizen journalism, we have come to believe that the truth no longer belongs to the large media corporations. But, how do you trust a stranger over Reuters?

For me, personally, empathy does not come from responding to a situation en masse, and trusting strangers, but from getting close to people different from myself online, getting to know them enough that I can (however partially) see a different worldview, and then also trust what they say in a 140-character tweet and can engage with them deeply, through layers of context. Social justice, also, is not an abstract notion or principle, but the lived experiences of people I know and care about.

A friend recently told me how he responded to people who were calling Muslims violent. He told them about me, someone he had never met in person, but whom he knew so well, and could cite as an example of a Muslim who was anything but violent. My friend lives in Florida, and he was the first person I asked about after the tragic Orlando shooting, even though I knew he was not in Florida at the time. Because of social media, I have come to know people different from myself so deeply that events like the #PulseOrlando shooting and #Brexit took on a much more personal meaning than just events happening on the other side of the world. I felt pain and grief.

How Social Media Promotes Empathy

Which brings me to the key question: can digital spaces such as social media help promote empathy and social justice instead of sensationalism, hatred and extremism?

Even though there is a lot of evidence to the contrary, I believe it can, if we use it thoughtfully and responsibly. The key, for me, is not in browsing a hashtag randomly, but in getting to know individuals over time, and understanding their contexts and the nuances behind what they tweet and post on their Facebook status, and then also by being thoughtful and intentional about what we ourselves write and share and amplify. There is a lot of potential for misunderstanding on social media, but when you know someone over an extended period of time, you can often detect things like sarcastic tone, and if not, you can ask for clarification. We make choices of whom to follow and how we work to circumvent algorithms dictating what we see of our virtual communities. Frances Bell urges us to “challenge traditional and social media to be the media that we want and resist them being immovable objects that manipulate what we can learn from other people.”

In my 2013 article, I suggested that in higher education, one can promote social justice and empathy that develops critical citizenship in three ways: apolitical civic engagement through community service (which research has shown promotes adult political civic engagement), simulation of authentic political contexts in a safe environment, and intercultural learning experiences. It is easy to imagine how social media creates space for the last of these to thrive, if we go beyond the surface in our interactions with culturally-different others. There are also a lot of opportunities for digital community service in the ways we share our learning and our thinking with each other.

One program I have participated in that offers cross-cultural dialogue for university students is Soliya . Where it is difficult for all students to travel across the world for a cross-cultural experience, Soliya offers the opportunity for semester-long dialogue on important issues. There are different models available at the Virtual Exchange Coalition. Any such program for youth requires careful facilitation and the support of a more experienced peer or teacher to help students reflect on what they are learning and take it forward beyond the limited period of exchange. Hopefully, social media enables relationships started through these programs to endure beyond them, helping young people become more empathetic critical digital citizens.

What are your suggestions for promoting empathy and social justice in digital spaces to promote critical digital citizenship?

Banner image credit: Steve Wall

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Teaching Digital Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Digital citizenship refers to the norms, values, and skills required to safely and effectively navigate the online world. As more students engage in online activities, digital citizenship has become a critical part of modern education. Therefore, educators have a responsibility to teach students how to behave responsibly and ethically in online spaces. This article provides a comprehensive guide for educators to teach digital citizenship.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is the responsible use of technology and the internet, including social media, online communication, and online platforms. Digital citizenship encompasses a range of skills and values, including privacy, security, online ethics, critical thinking, and media literacy. In short, digital citizenship means knowing how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Why Teach Digital Citizenship?

Teaching digital citizenship is important because technology has become an integral part of modern life. Students use technology to communicate, access information and engage in social activities. However, without proper guidance, students may engage in harmful or unethical behavior online. Teaching digital citizenship ensures that students develop the skills and values they need to engage in online activities safely and responsibly.

Additionally, teaching digital citizenship prepares students for the workforce. In a survey of 500 hiring managers, 77% of respondents said that digital skills were important when evaluating job candidates (Burns & Bartlett, 2016). By teaching digital citizenship, educators can help prepare students for the digital workplace.

How to Teach Digital Citizenship

Teaching digital citizenship requires a comprehensive approach. Below are some key steps educators can take to teach digital citizenship effectively.

Step 1: Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

Creating a safe and supportive environment is critical to teaching digital citizenship. Students should feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism. Educators can foster this environment by creating a culture of trust, encouraging open dialogue, and modeling responsible online behavior.

Step 2: Teach the Basics

Before diving into complex topics, educators should teach the basics of digital citizenship. This includes internet safety, cyberbullying prevention, privacy and security, and copyright and fair use. Educators can use online resources, such as Common Sense Education, to teach these concepts in an engaging and interactive way.

Step 3: Encourage Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

Digital citizenship also requires critical thinking and media literacy skills. Students should be able to evaluate information and media critically, including identifying bias, recognizing fake news, and understanding the consequences of sharing inaccurate information. Educators can teach critical thinking and media literacy skills by incorporating media literacy activities into their curriculum.

Step 4: Foster Ethical Online Behavior

In addition to technical skills, digital citizenship requires ethical behavior online. Students should understand the importance of being respectful, honest, and responsible online. Educators can foster ethical online behavior by modeling these behaviors and creating opportunities for students to practice them.

Step 5: Stay Current

Digital citizenship is an evolving field, and educators must stay current with new trends and developments. Educators can stay current by attending professional development workshops, reading current research, and following experts in the field on social media.

Best Practices for Teaching Digital Citizenship

To ensure that educators are teaching digital citizenship effectively, there are several best practices that they can follow. These include:

1. Incorporating Digital Citizenship into the Curriculum

Digital citizenship should be integrated into the curriculum rather than treated as a separate topic. Educators can teach digital citizenship concepts in conjunction with other subject areas, such as language arts, social studies, and science.

2. Providing Professional Development for Teachers

Educators must have a deep understanding of digital citizenship before they can teach it effectively. Schools should provide professional development opportunities for educators to help them develop their knowledge and skills in this area.

3. Engaging Parents and Families

Parents and families play a critical role in teaching digital citizenship. Educators should work with parents to ensure that they are aware of the concepts being taught and to provide them with resources to support their child’s learning.

4. Using Interactive and Engaging Teaching Methods

Digital citizenship can be a dry topic, so it is essential to use engaging teaching methods. Educators can use games, videos, and interactive activities to teach digital citizenship concepts in a fun and engaging way.

5. Emphasizing Student Voice and Choice

Digital citizenship education should be student-centered, emphasizing student voice and choice. Educators should provide opportunities for students to share their experiences, ask questions, and engage in discussions about digital citizenship.

Challenges to Teaching Digital Citizenship

While teaching digital citizenship is critical, there are several challenges that educators may face. These include:

1. Keeping Up with Evolving Technology

Technology is constantly evolving, making it challenging for educators to keep up with new trends and developments. Educators must stay current with new technologies and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly.

2. Lack of Time in the Curriculum

Digital citizenship may not always be a priority in the curriculum, leading to a lack of time dedicated to teaching it. To overcome this challenge, educators can incorporate digital citizenship into other subject areas or advocate for more time dedicated to teaching it.

3. Limited Resources

Limited resources, such as access to technology and online resources, can make it challenging to teach digital citizenship effectively. Educators can overcome this challenge by collaborating with other teachers or seeking out free online resources.

4. Resistance to Change

Finally, some educators may resist teaching digital citizenship due to a lack of knowledge or fear of change. To overcome this challenge, schools can provide professional development opportunities and support for educators.

The Role of Schools in Promoting Digital Citizenship

Schools play a crucial role in promoting digital citizenship. To promote digital citizenship effectively, schools can take several steps, including:

1. Developing a Comprehensive Digital Citizenship Plan

Schools can develop a comprehensive digital citizenship plan that outlines the skills and values that students need to develop to be responsible digital citizens. The plan should include a range of activities, such as curriculum integration, professional development, and community outreach.

2. Creating a Culture of Digital Responsibility

Schools can create a culture of digital responsibility by promoting positive online behavior and modeling responsible behavior themselves. They can also establish policies and procedures to promote responsible online behavior and address incidents of cyberbullying or other online misconduct.

3. Providing Access to Technology and Online Resources

Access to technology and online resources is essential for teaching digital citizenship effectively. Schools can ensure that all students have access to technology and online resources, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop digital citizenship skills.

4. Engaging Parents and Families

Parents and families play a critical role in promoting digital citizenship. Schools can engage parents and families by providing resources and information about digital citizenship, hosting workshops and events, and encouraging open dialogue about online behavior.

The Importance of Collaboration in Promoting Digital Citizenship

Promoting digital citizenship requires collaboration between schools, parents, and communities. Collaboration is critical because it ensures that all stakeholders are working towards a common goal and that digital citizenship is being promoted consistently across all environments.

1. Collaboration between Schools and Parents

Collaboration between schools and parents is essential for promoting digital citizenship. Parents play a critical role in promoting digital citizenship, and schools can support parents by providing resources and information about digital citizenship. Schools can also involve parents in the development of digital citizenship plans and encourage parents to reinforce digital citizenship concepts at home.

2. Collaboration between Schools and Communities

Collaboration between schools and communities is also important for promoting digital citizenship. Schools can partner with community organizations, such as libraries and youth centers, to provide resources and information about digital citizenship. Community organizations can also provide opportunities for students to engage in positive online activities and develop digital citizenship skills.

3. Collaboration between Educators

Collaboration between educators is critical for promoting digital citizenship consistently across all subject areas. Educators can collaborate to develop interdisciplinary activities that promote digital citizenship, share resources and strategies, and provide support for one another.

Teaching digital citizenship is essential for preparing students for the digital world. As technology becomes an integral part of daily life, students must develop the skills and values needed to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Educators have a responsibility to teach digital citizenship effectively, and they can do so by creating a safe and supportive environment, teaching the basics, encouraging critical thinking and media literacy, fostering ethical online behavior, staying current, and following best practices.

Schools play a critical role in promoting digital citizenship, and collaboration between schools, parents, and communities is essential for promoting digital citizenship consistently across all environments. By working together, we can ensure that students develop the skills and values they need to navigate the online world safely and responsibly, preparing them for the digital world and the workforce of the future.

Promoting digital citizenship is an ongoing effort, and it requires the involvement of all stakeholders. As technology continues to evolve, we must continue to adapt our teaching strategies and approaches to ensure that we are preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world. By doing so, we can help ensure that students are responsible digital citizens who can thrive in the digital age.

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• Research Resources

Digital Citizenship Skills

Teach Digital Citizenship Skills to Prevent Cyberbullying

Digital citizenship is appropriate, responsible behavior when using technology. This includes social media, websites, online forums, communities, comments, and in apps and other device features. Teaching children and teens digital citizenship skills can help to prevent cyberbullying and its negative effects. When children learn positive online behaviors, social media can be used in productive ways.

Teenagers are often the first to use new social media and digital technology. Research shows that 95% of American youth aged 12‐17 use the internet. 1 Among U.S. teens that use social media, 88% witness mean or cruel behavior, 67% observe others joining in those negative behaviors, and 21% admit to joining in at least once in a while. 1 Parents are the first source of advice teens go to about responsible internet use. And parents can monitor what their children do online in a variety of ways. Teachers are the second source of information for teens. 1 Both parents and teachers play an important role in teaching digital citizenship skills, including digital safety and digital etiquette. 2

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Digital Safety

Digital safety involves identifying and taking measures to protect against potential risks when using devices, apps, and the internet. Sharing personal information online can put children and teens at risk for the misuse of personal data, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content that may contain violence, suicide, and racist and adult material. Teens may not want or intend to access or post inappropriate content online. However, 44% admitted to giving a false age to access a website or sign up for an online account.1 Parental knowledge and involvement in mediating teenagers’ online activities influence whether teens behave appropriately and responsibly when using digital technologies. 3

To reduce risks, parents can help their children set the privacy controls on their devices and accounts to ensure their children’s content is not shared with the public. Parents should proactively discuss the types of content and information that is safe or acceptable to share, post, and view online. It is important to foster open dialogue in which youth feel comfortable sharing their cyber experiences with caregivers and other supportive adults. Other tactics parents can use to ensure their children’s online safety include:

• Following their child’s social media accounts. 4
• Checking the websites that their child visited. 4
• Knowing the passwords to their child’s email, social media accounts, and cell phones. 4
• Searching online for information available about their child. 1

Digital Etiquette

Digital etiquette refers to an individual’s conduct online and in their use of technology. The virtual nature of social media and the privacy of using individual devices can embolden some to say or do things in cyberspace that they would not do in person. Appropriate behavior for digital interactions should follow the same social guidelines as face‐to‐face interactions. 5 Digital etiquette also extends to conduct beyond the screen – how and when individuals use their devices around others in different social settings. 5 Teaching good digital etiquette skills involves:

• Talking about what to do when children or teens witness cyberbullying or hurtful content. 4
• Discussing appropriate content children or teens can share, view, or access online. 4
• Reviewing appropriate behavior toward others online 4 so that online interactions follow the same social guidelines as face‐to‐face interactions. 5
• Role modeling and discussing respectful and tolerant behavior of others; including not posting hurtful, mean, vengeful, or disrespectful content. 4
• Role modeling appropriate device use including the amount of time spent on devices, and use of devices around others. 5
• Discussing places that should be device‐free, like bathrooms and locker rooms.
• Talking about the permanency of content posted online, and how this can affect online reputation and can have negative consequences with college and job applications.
• Setting limits at every age for use of devices. 5

Adults should teach digital citizenship skills to reinforce to children and teens that when they are using their voices online they must choose their words wisely and speak with respect and compassion. Most of these strategies should be used, discussed, and updated on an ongoing basis to address the changing social needs of children and teens as they get older, and with the emergence of new technologies. By being a role model for good digital citizenship and providing ongoing guidance on digital safety and etiquette, parents, teachers, and other caregivers can help prevent harmful behavior from happening, including cyberbullying.

Source and Research Limitations

This report includes the most up to date research on bullying, but it is important to note that this research has several important imitations. Most of the research is cross sectional, which means it took place at one point in time. This type of research shows us what things are related to each other at that time, but cannot tell us which thing came first or if one of those things caused the other to occur.

Another limitation is that many of the studies use self reports to identify who bullied or was bullied and to capture symptoms or experiences. While the use of self report is common in bullying research, it can result in biases or errors. The study participants must report information accurately, and some children may not want to admit to others that they have been bullied or have bullied others.

• 1 a b c d Lenhart, A., Madden, M., Rainie, L., Smith, A., Purcell, K., Zickuhr, K. (2011) Teens, Kindness, and Cruelty on Social Network Sites, Pew Research Center.
• 2 Jones, L., Mitchell, K. (2016). "Defining and Measuring Youth Digital Citizenship." New Media & Society 2016, Vol. 18(9) 2063–2079. doi: 10.1177/1461444815577797.
• 3 Wang, X., & Xing, W. (2018). "Exploring the Influence of Parental Involvement and Socioeconomic Status on Teen Digital Citizenship: A Path Modeling Approach." Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 21(1), 186–199.
• 4 a b c d e f g Anderson, M. (2016). Parents, Teens and Digital Monitoring, Pew Research Center.
• 5 a b c d e Brown, A., Flinn, S., Hill, D., Jana, L., Shifrin, D. (2015). American Academy of Pediatrics, "Growing Up Digital: Media Research Symposium."

• Collections
• Calculators
• Life Changes
• Borrowing and Credit

1. Recognize when personal information is being collected.

2. understand that technology is a means to an end..

• 3. Familiarize yourself with copyright & creative rights.

4. Use strong passwords.

5. protect yourself from cyberbullying and harassment., 6. consider how your actions affect others., 7. take ownership over your digital footprint., 8. keep security top of mind., 9. research everything., 10. protect your time., 11. create a healthy online and offline balance., 11 important skills that every digital citizen should possess.

From social media to online shopping, we rely on technology to communicate, learn, start a business, and—the biggest reason yet—to entertain ourselves. But with the convenience of technology, comes responsibility.

Digital citizenship is the way in which people use technology and internet resources—whether right or wrong. Everyone that uses technology could be defined as a digital citizen , but only a good digital citizen knows how to be responsible with their online presence and show proper online etiquette. Here are eleven essential skills every good digital citizen should have:

Every digital citizen should be aware of the risks associated with data collection and take steps to protect their privacy. Websites regularly save information about their customers, including demographics and how the customers use their site, phone numbers, email addresses, and more. Websites can even record your computer’s ID and your IP address—both of which are unique and can be traced back to you. A good digital citizen will be careful about the data they knowingly give to websites and avoid websites known for selling the data they gather.

Technology helps us achieve our goals, but it can also allow you to pick up dangerous habits, meet unsavory people, and be exposed to false information. And the internet, in particular, is very good at creating a false sense of security. When you remember that you have control over what you do online, you're better prepared to recognize when this tool is leading you somewhere you don't want to go.

3. Familiarize yourself with copyright & creative rights.

Whether it's art, videos, essays, or any number of other things, making and posting content for potentially hundreds or thousands of people to see online is as simple as a few clicks of a button. Unfortunately, it has also made the theft of content and ideas—both intentional and unintentional—much easier and more common.

Anyone who creates or consumes online content should have an understanding of how copyright works. Just because it may be easy to put a piece of music on a video, add a character to a t-shirt, or edit a photograph, does not mean that it's legal to do so. A good digital citizen will educate themselves on the basics of copyright law and ensure that they aren't infringing on others' creative ownership online—especially when making something for money.

In this new digital world, passwords are everything. You use one to access social media accounts, financial institution accounts, streaming accounts, make online purchases, and more. Which is why password protection is critical. Every digital citizen should have a good understanding of how to keep their passwords safe. This includes utilizing strong passwords, not sharing passwords with others, not using the same password for multiple accounts, and changing passwords regularly.

Unfortunately, a lot of people forget that behind every user is an actual person. They take the disguise of an avatar and username as an excuse to be cruel, often for little to no reason at all. While it may bring to mind a rude child knocking a middle schooler's books out of their arms, what we're describing here is bullying, and cyberbullying attacks can be hard to handle for anyone—middle schooler, college student, and adult alike. Blocking and reporting aggressive bullies, avoiding spaces that tend to bring out the worst in people, and refusing to engage in and escalate bullying are all good first steps to protecting yourself. And remember that a mental health professional can help you sort through the complications of dealing with bullies online.

Try this Cyberbullying Course to learn more.

Similar to the point above, good digital citizens need to know that their actions online affect others—both positively and negatively. This means avoiding cyberbullying and hate speech, and being respectful of others' opinions and beliefs. No trolling allowed.

A person's digital footprint is information that exists about them online. It's build from their activity—what a person likes, what they post, the information they provide on certain sites, their browser history, etc. All of those components are what makes up someone’s digital footprint.

Taking ownership of your digital footprint means creating a positive online presence. Make sure that what people see of you online is accurate and authentic, and be mindful of the content you post and make sure that it reflects well on both you and your employer.

We all know the internet can be a dangerous place if you're not careful. Good digital citizens should always keep security in mind. This means using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and websites, and keeping antivirus software up-to-date.

Though the internet has allowed for a surge of information at our fingertips, not all of it is true. People can say anything online, and incorrect information is often spread purposefully by those hoping to misdirect people who do not do their research, and accidentally by those who get caught up in inflammatory headlines or information that confirms their perspective on things. A good digital citizen needs to know how to identify credible sources of information and use critical thinking skills to evaluate the information they find.

Have you ever sat down to scroll on your favorite social media and found that, somehow, hours have passed in the blink of an eye? The internet is particularly good at getting you to waste one of your most valuable resources: time. It's okay to spend your time online, but you want to do it with intention. Don't just mindlessly scroll, make the choice to do something that boosts your happiness helps you relax from a long day, or encourages you to improve. Your time is precious, don't waste it on things that aren't helping you.

Technology can be detrimental to our physical and mental wellbeing if we’re not careful. A good digital citizen will know the risks of spending too much time online, texting and driving, scrolling through social media rather than sleeping, or putting too much stock in what people say about them on the internet. They will actively work to create a balance in their life and ensure that technology is helping, not harming, them.

It's pretty hard to avoid being online these days. These digital citizenship skills can make all the difference and ensure you have a fun, healthy, and safe time. Remember, the internet is a public space, and your actions have consequences. Be mindful of your online presence, protect your privacy, and use technology responsibly.

Learning Technologies pp 145–159 Cite as

Digital Citizenship

• Mesut Duran 2  
• First Online: 20 October 2022

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The present chapter focuses on an overarching concept of “digital citizenship” in learning technologies. The chapter first describes the characteristics of citizenship in the digital age highlighting the “nine themes” of digital citizenship. The writing then focuses on teaching citizenship in schools. After that, the chapter discusses current trends and issues concerning digital citizenship. Finally, the chapter summarizes the critical issues addressed and highlights their implications for policy and practices.

“A new type of passport.”

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Duran, M. (2022). Digital Citizenship. In: Learning Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-18111-5_8

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