How To Help Kids And Youth Become Good Digital Citizens
What is digital citizenship?
Digital Citizenship is using digital technology safely, responsibly, honestly, and respectfully – both in the ways we interact with others, and in the way we represent ourselves online.
Why is digital citizenship Important?
Technology is now part of almost all aspects of life, including with friends and family, at school, at work, and for many daily tasks. Just as we help young people learn how to be positive members of their in-person communities, adults can help young people learn and practice skills to be good digital citizens. These skills help them to be kind and stay safe and can also support their success in friendships, school, and a future career.
A word of caution – Some digital citizenship resources may seem to encourage child and youth screen use. While it’s important for all of us to be good digital citizens, limiting screen time is important for youth health!
How adults can help
Adults can help young people with digital citizenship skills by modeling good behavior with technology, learning about digital citizenship, teaching specific skills, and using knowledge and experience to have ongoing conversations with children and youth.
Resources for Learning, Teaching, and Practicing Digital Citizenship
What is Digital Citizenship? from Media Smarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy
- A trusted source on issues of media literacy and online safety, this page has several videos on key concepts: Empathy and community-building; Positive technology use; Sharing information; and Rights, privacy and ethics.
- Info on this page can be used at home or at school.
Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Education (part of Common Sense Media).
- This interactive curriculum is primarily meant for schools, but it has videos and info that parents can also access for use at home!
- The curriculum has lessons tailored for students at different stages of development from K – 12. Each grade level has specific lessons on some or all of the following themes: Media Balance & Well-Being; Privacy & Security; Digital Footprint & Identity; Relationships & Communication; Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech; and News & Media Literacy.
- Videos and lessons are free, but some materials require signing up for a free account and confirming that you are 18 or older and an educator.
Digital Citizenship in Action campaign and materials from The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
- This campaign focuses on teaching young people about positive ways to behave and skills to learn in order to be good digital citizens, instead of telling them all the things not to do.
- They focus on being Balanced, Informed, Inclusive, Engaged, and Alert.
- There is also a digital citizenship infographic and campaign: #DigCitCommitt.
Be Internet Awesome Curriculum (and en español) from Google in collaboration with iKeepSafe
- This Be Internet Awesome curriculum focuses on digital citizenship and safety. It is free and available in English and Spanish.
- Be Internet Awesome focuses on five key topics of digital citizenship and safety: Digital Footprint and Responsible Communication; Phishing, Scams, and Credible Sources; Online Security and Passwords; Combating Negative Online Behavior; and Questionable Content and Scenarios
- They also have a free game that young people can play to learn about digital citizenship. (Though this also involves more screen time!)
