Digital Citizenship
Why is it important that our students are thoughtful digital citizens? Why does digital citizenship need to be part of our conversation in school?
We all want students to become positive, contributing citizens in all aspects of their lives, including interactions they may have in the digital world. Educators, families and students will engage in ongoing conversations about what it means to be responsible citizens in the digital world.
People have a basic need to be safe and this is also true when working, interacting, and living in the digital world. It is important that students understand how to protect their own privacy and respect the privacy of others. Students will be encouraged to ask for help if they find their private life in a digital world has become more public than they would like.
Conversations about digital citizenship should guide and empower students on how to make thoughtful and reflective decisions and how to develop a positive presence online. It is important that students learn how to demonstrate empathy towards others in both the real and the digital worlds. For this to happen, we need to have continual, authentic and reflective conversations with students. The platforms of the digital world are always changing, but our behavior as citizens should consistently be thoughtful, considerate and honest.
