Digital Citizenship

It is important to introduce and reinforce digital citizenship concepts and practices at an early age and continue these concepts and practices throughout a student's academic journey. I think the timing and methods of teaching digital citizenship skills will vary depending on various factors, such as demographics. However, I strongly believe that digital citizenship should be integrated, whenever possible, in the regular classroom and should be supported in the classroom with continuous discussions and activities. Kids in today's world are exposed to technology at a very young age and many have their own devices at home, some with little to no guidance on safety and privacy. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between the ages of 8-10 years old spend 8 hours per day on technology, while teenagers spend more than 11 hours per day.

Explicit instruction of digital citizenship concepts and skills are primarily taught in the technology classroom, during specials in my school. These include skills such as online etiquette, how to responsibly use the internet, privacy and security, digital footprint, cyber bullying, and copyright. Although these skills are typically covered during technology class, my 5th grade students are exposed to digital citizenship concepts and practice them throughout various subject areas in my classroom. For example, when my students are researching for our Native American project, we discuss how to find credible sources, how to avoid plagiarism, and privacy. Another great way to expose students to digital citizenship is through guest speakers and experts, such as law enforcement officers or cybersecurity professionals. These experts can provide real-world relevance and engage students in discussions about digital citizenship. In doing this, students might recognize how serious citizenship in a digital world is. 

I think it's crucial for students, teachers, and administration to understand and practice digital citizenship for a number of reasons. Students need to understand the potential consequences of their actions, such as cyber bullying or sharing inappropriate content. In teaching students about digital citizenship, they can learn to treat others with respect and kindness, which supports and fosters a positive, inclusive online environment, both in and out of the classroom. It is important for students to develop skills necessary to protect their personal information, navigate privacy settings, identify threats online, and how to respond to risks they might find. When students have this knowledge, they are able to make informed decisions and protect their well-being online. My students hear me talk about a "digital footprint" often. Students are able to create a positive digital footprint for their future academic and professional lives by learning and practicing digital citizenship from a young age. Technology is not going away, in fact, the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights states, "Technology use is continuing to rise and it is increasingly important to be knowledgeable about how to use it correctly." Digital citizenship prepares students, teachers, and administrators with knowledge and skills to change and navigate new digital platforms, tools, and trends in a responsible and safe way. 

There are many ways to help parents understand digital citizenship and its importance. I send out a newsletter to my classroom parents each week, including a tip, resource, or article about digital citizenship can be a easy way to inform parents about the importance and give them credible information. On the flip side of sending out digital information to parents, creating brochures, handouts, or pamphlets that outline tips, conversation starters, and resources could be helpful. I think it's important to include information about responsible use of technology at home, managing screen time, and how parents can promote online safety and privacy. I think one of the most straightforward ways to help parents understand is by simply having conversations with them about it. Open and supportive dialogue with parents can encourage them to reach out with questions, concerns, or incidents related to their child. It's important to be responsive and provide guidance to parents when needed, and provide individual feedback and resources to parents about specific concerns or questions. No matter the means of communicating and helping parents to understand digital citizenship, I think it's of utmost importance to adapt responses and approaches to parents' varying levels of technological skills and cultural backgrounds.

Technology can be an expensive investment but when utilized correctly and the time is spent teaching how to use appropriately and safely, is a valuable educational asset in the classroom. My school district is currently one-to-one with iPads and there are many safety parameters put in place by the district to ensure student and staff safety. 

References:

Usidhr.org. (2023, February 23). What is Digital Citizenship and why is it important?. US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights. https://usidhr.org/what-is-digital-citizenship-and-why-is-it-important/

Strasburger, V. C., Hogan, M. J., Mulligan, D. A., Ameenuddin, N., Christakis, D. A., Cross, C., Fagbuyi, D. B., Hill, D. L., Levine, A. E., McCarthy, C., Moreno, M. A., & Swanson, W. S. L. (2013, November 1). Children, adolescents, and the media. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/132/5/958/31699/Children-Adolescents-and-the-Media?autologincheck=redirected