Digital Citizenship
Resources/Articles for All Grade Levels
How to Tackle Digital Citizenship During the First 5 Days of School
An article detailing some excellent tips and teaching strategies for addressing Digital Citizenship topics within the first week of school.
Internet Savvy is an online course published by the Government of Alberta that focuses on a range of topics such as cyberbullying, social networking, online marketing to children and youth, gaming and sexual exploitation. It provides parents and caregivers with practical tools and tips to protect their children online.
This site provides a wealth of links, resources and information about teaching the importance of Digital Citizenship at all grade levels.
MediaSmarts - Canada's Centre for Digital & Media Literacy
Formerly the Media Awareness Network, this site is full of great resources for all ages and grade levels dealing with all aspects of online safety and Digital Citizenship as well as other health and social skills topics.
Cybersmart is a national cybersafety and cybersecurity education program managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), as part of the Australian Government's commitment to cybersafety. The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of its target audiences of children, young people, parents, teachers and library staff. Here you will find age-appropriate games, resources, videos and activities for teaching online safety to children of all ages.
The Digizen website provides information for educators, parents, carers, and young people. It is used to strengthen their awareness and understanding of what digital citizenship is and encourages users of technology to be and become responsible DIGItal citiZENS. It shares specific advice and resources on issues such as social networking and cyberbullying and how these relate to and affect their own and other people's online experiences and behaviours.
Canada Safety Council: Cyber Bullying
This site provides some information and background on cyber bullying, as well as some good information for teachers if students report to them that they have been a victim of cyber bullying. This page also available en francais.
Kids in the Know is a safety program designed to empower children and reduce their risk of victimization in a variety of areas. It focuses on building self-esteem through teaching critical problem-solving skills. The program uses an inclusive, community-based approach to heighten safety awareness. The core premise of the curriculum is based on key root safety strategies and environments which are reinforced and practiced throughout every grade level. Some resources can be downloaded for no charge, other resources are available for purchase in class and school sets.
SafeKids.com is one of the oldest and most enduring sites for Internet safety. It’s founder and editor, Larry Magid, is the author of the original National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s 1994 brochure, “Child Safety on the Information Highway.” This site provides information and links to resources to help kids of all ages to stay safe online.
Passport to the Internet is aimed at helping Grade 4 to Grade 8 students in developing critical thinking skills for their online experiences. Information on online safety, authenticating online information, recognizing online marketing ploys, protecting privacy, managing online relationships and dealing with cyberbullying is included in this resource. The user id and password for this site are available through LearnAlberta.ca. Contact your school to gain access.
Resources for Grades 3-6
This site allows teachers to input a group (i.e. class list) and customize activities and games depending on the area of digital citzenship you wish to work on with your students. Games are targeted for practice in these five areas: Communication, Privacy, Cyberbullying, Search, Copyright. You can also track the students' progress and achievements in each of the areas and provide a 'passport' when they have completed the activity.Digital Passport also provides quick tutorial videos (2-5 minutes) under the 'Get Trained' section for teachers on how to use a variety of the tools with their students.
Web Wise Kids: Internet Safety Kit
A downloadable, printable package of activities that can be completed in class or sent home.
Teach your students to be aware of dangers online through a fun, interactive online 4-stage game.
This free resource is designed to empower students to think critically and make informed choices about how they create, communicate, and treat others in our ever-evolving, 24/7 digital world. Topics include Safety & Security, Digital Citizenship and Research & Information Literacy.
An interactive game where children tour a variety of locations within Safety Land and answer questions about internet safety. This site is produced by U.S. internet service provideder, AT&T.
Two characters, Nettie & Webster lead division II children through a game to learn all about what they can do on the web, as well as introducing kids to the 'WizzyWigs' -- cartoon interpretations of a variety of internet dangers.
This tutorial introduces children to the concept of online privacy and teaches them to distinguish between information that is appropriate to give out and information better kept private – and to recognize how this may change in different contexts.
The Be Smart, Strong and Safe initiative has been designed to be used with children at the Grades 5 and 6 levels. Here you will find a variety of tools and resources, including the Be Smart, Strong and Safe activity booklet. Through a number of fun and interesting activities, this booklet will help children learn how to identify inappropriate behavior and how to talk to a safe adult when something makes them feel uncomfortable.
Resources for Grades 7-8
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. There are many topics that are covered in this site (including cellphone use, gaming, blogging, social networking, etc.) both with teacher/parent information as well as interactive games and activities for the students. This site has an American focus, but many of the activities and lessons could be used in your classroom.
Web Wise Kids: BeSeen Mobile App
This is a free donwloadable mobile app that students can install on their own mobile devices or can be added to school IPods/Pads. "In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, it’s important not only to be involved but to be a good friend. Who is up for the challenge?"
In order to receive the Teacher's Guide and classroom support resources, you must submit your name & email address, but there is no charge for these materials.
BeWebAware Online Issues & Safety Tips
This site provides some background information regarding children this age and how they view the media, as well as provides a list of safety recommendations for online activities.
This free resource is designed to empower students to think critically and make informed choices about how they create, communicate, and treat others in our ever-evolving, 24/7 digital world. Topics include Safety & Security, Digital Citizenship and Research & Information Literacy.
Think Before You Post (YouTube Video)
This short (1 min.) PSA is featured as part of the U.S.-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's "Don't Believe the Type Campaign."
Top Secret! Game (Click here to access the Teacher Resource)
In this interactive, students follow the story of two young people, Chris and Mariah, as they deal with ethical and practical issues, both online and offline, related to sharing information online. At various points in the story, students decide what the characters should do next, or evaluate actions the characters have taken. Students then receive feedback based on the choices they make and discuss the main points of the tutorial as a group.
Allies and Aliens: A Mission in Critical Thinking
This interactive module for Grades 7 and 8 is designed to increase students’ ability to recognize bias, prejudice and hate propaganda on the Internet and in other media. There are links here to teacher & student resources, as well as a link to the game.
A hard-hitting site for youth that includes information on predator tactics, real life stories and tips on how teens can stay safe. (Adult preview recommended).