At the beginning of each year our classes learn about the importantance of Digital Citizenship.
We learn about:
The difference between an Upstander and Bystander
How to treat our devices - carrying devices properly, not leaving devices on the floor, charging the devices each afternoon
Digital Footprints
Being smart and safe online
By the end of Week 2 could all Pod 3-6 classes please have completed their Digital Treaty.
Each class will have a Digital Treaty.
Digital citizenship is a key component of future-focused learning. Understanding digital citizenship enables schools to:
integrate digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning
develop students' digital fluency
balance protective and promotional activity online so that students:
can effectively manage their online actions and interactions safely, responsibly, and ethically
have the knowledge and capacity to achieve and participate in an online environment.
From literacy to fluency to citizenship: Digital citizenship in Education, Netsafe, 2018
Digital citizenship for kids is the ability to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully, and ethically. - Google Search
Digital citizenship is often related to the way in which we interact, participate, and engage in our local, national and global communities through digital technology and platforms. - KeepItReal Online
Digital citizenship is the capacity to participate actively, continuously and responsibly in communities online and offline, through competent and positive engagement with digital technologies (by creating, working, sharing, socialising, investigating, playing, communicating and learning). - Council of Europe - Education
In the New Zealand curriculum context, digital citizenship isn't just about knowing how to use a laptop; it’s about being a safe, savvy, and ethical human in the digital world.
The Ministry of Education and Netsafe (the primary partner for this in NZ) define a digital citizen as someone who uses technology effectively and appropriately to participate in society.
The Core Pillars for NZ Students
Digital citizenship is woven through the curriculum;
Online Safety & Privacy: Understanding how to protect personal information, create strong passwords, and recognise "stranger danger" or phishing in digital spaces.
Digital Footprint: Realising that what kids post today (the "digital breadcrumbs") stays visible and can impact their future reputations.
Critical Thinking (Digital Literacy): Teaching kids to ask, "Is this news real or fake?" and understanding that not everything on TikTok or YouTube is a fact.
Relating to Others (Netiquette): Preventing cyberbullying and understanding how to be kind and respectful in comments and chats.
Health and Well-being: Learning to balance screen time with "real-world" time and recognising when the internet is making them feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Gemini