Welcome Parents and Guardians!
Each October, Denton ISD joins schools across the nation to celebrate Digital Citizenship Week: A time to reflect on how we can use technology responsibly, creatively, and safely. Together, we can help students become thoughtful digital citizens both in and out of the classroom.
What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital Citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology to engage, communicate, and participate in the digital world. For students, that means developing the skills to:
Communicate responsibly,
Protect personal information,
Balance screen time with real-world experiences, and
Engage in learning that strengthens creativity and critical thinking.
Denton ISD is committed to helping students and families navigate the digital world in ways that reflect our values of safety, respect, responsibility, and curiosity.
Connected Conversations: Navigating the Digital World as a Family
We encourage families to have meaningful conversations about the responsible and balanced use of technology. To guide these discussions, we’ve highlighted four key areas — Digital Wellness, Etiquette, Safety, and Responsibility.
By engaging in these conversation starters below, families can help students develop healthy digital habits, practice respectful online behavior, protect personal information, and understand the impact of their online actions. Together, we can prepare our students to navigate the digital world safely, confidently, and responsibly.
Digital Wellness refers to a healthy, balanced use of technology. Our learners are encouraged to develop healthy habits that support their well-being in a digital world.
Try out these conversation starters:
How do you feel after spending a lot of time on your devices, and what do you think is a healthy balance between screen time and other activities?
What strategies can you use to avoid distractions while doing homework or other important tasks online?
How do you think technology affects your friendships, and what can you do to maintain positive relationships both online and offline?
💡Tips for Families: Want to better understand your child’s digital habits? Denton ISD’s Lightspeed Parent Portal lets you see online activity and set healthy screen time boundaries.
Digital Etiquette refers to the rules and courtesy we follow when communicating and creating content online. Our learners are expected to show respect for themselves and others by thinking critically and considering different perspectives before posting.
Try out these conversation starters:
Before you post or comment online, what do you think about to make sure your words are respectful and kind?
How would you handle a situation where someone is being unkind or disrespectful online?
Why is it important to consider other people's perspectives before sharing your thoughts online?
Digital Safety is about protecting your online identity, devices, and data. Our learners are encouraged to practice safe habits to stay secure and protect personal information.
Try out these conversation starters:
What steps do you take to keep your personal information private when using apps, games, or social media?
How do you know if a website or message is safe, and what would you do if you come across something that seems suspicious?
Why is it important to create strong, private passwords, and how often should you update them?
Digital Responsibility is the constructive and appropriate use of technology. Our learners are accountable for their devices, online actions, and the impact they have on others.
Try out these conversation starters:
How do you think your online actions, like posts or comments, can affect others and your own digital reputation?
What are some ways you can take care of your devices to make sure they last and work properly?
Why is it important to be responsible about what you share online, and how can it impact your future opportunities?
Keep the Conversation Going
Looking for more ways to spark meaningful discussions about technology with your child? Explore Common Sense Media’s Family Resources for ready-to-use conversation starters, videos, and guides that help families navigate topics like screen time, social media, and online safety.
Click the buttons below to launch! 👇
