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Digital Citizenship

  • Illustration of digital citizenship and the internet, showing diverse people using technology responsibly online.

Digital citizenship” refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level.

Parents can help teach their children to become good digital citizens when engaging in online activity. Here are some free resources that can help us guide our digital natives safely and responsibily while at home or at school.

Raising Digital Children logo - Blue spiral pattern logo for company.

Raising Digital Children

Teach your children to become good digital citizens with these resources.

 

 


 

Parent Tips:

Cell Phones

Terminology:

  • “Geotagging” – allows users to note where they are located in a Smart Phone photo.
  • “Sexting” – a term used to describe inappropriate photos or text sent via cell phone

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of technologies to display behavior that harms another through email, instant messaging, text messaging and social networking sites, so that hurtful messages can be posted and shared.

Tips:

  • Do not respond or retaliate to inappropriate communication.
  • Save the messages and note the date and time.
  • Utilize the blocking feature in social networking sites, email or instant messaging. This will keep unwanted correspondence from occurring again. 
  • You can also block numbers on your cell phone or change your personal phone number. 
  • Only give out your phone number to those you trust.
  • Notify the provider of inappropriate behavior by activating the "abuse" tool available on many sites.
  • Contact a trusted adult, teacher, school counselor or parent. Further assistance is available here.

Ethics

“Plagiarism” is the use of another's work as your own. With the Internet, all material is copyrighted unless it states otherwise. Such material includes but is not limited to, images, music, text and videos. 

The following tips will help encourage ethical cyber citizenship:

  • Note all sources used in a project. Any material copied from an outside source, including the Internet, must be cited.
  • Use quotation marks around sentences or phrases directly copied from an outside source and cite this information.
  • Keep a running source list as you find images and text for a school project. Visit with the school library media specialist for more information.

Gaming

Online gaming provides the opportunity to play games from a computer or other streaming device. Some consoles and sites have a social element, as users can play anyone from around the world. Chatting, IM and other social tools exist within these games.

Tips:

  • Check to see if the game has moderators.
  • Do not accept downloads from strangers including cheat programs. These programs often have viruses or malware that can harm your computer.
  • Be a good sport - what you say online should be appropriate. Do not respond to bullying comments.

Instant Messaging and Email

Instant messaging (IM) allows users to correspond online with others. IM can occur through a mobile device or computer with Internet access. Similar to text messaging, IM allows users to correspond in brief text. Popular IM platforms include iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SnapChat, and WeChat.

Email also allows users to interact online. Follow the common email usage tips below:

  • Privacy – do not share your password with others.
  • Unknown - Do not open emails or attachments from an unknown source. Block messages from unknown sources.
  • Unsubscribe - Scroll to the bottom of the email and choose unsubscribe to be removed from the list of unwanted emails.
  • Use two-factor authentication.

Social Networking

Social networking websites provide a social atmosphere by allowing users to share personal information. Popular sites include Facebook, Google+ and Twitter with similar elements including status updates, photo share, friend list or followers, chat, gaming and internal messaging/email. Most social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook are intended for those ages 13 and older. Learn more here.

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