Digital Citizenship and Safety

What is digital citizenship?

This term has evolved and become more well-known in recent years.

Many years ago Mike Ribble described 9 elements to digital citizenship, which he called, “The norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.”

ISTE now tells us that, “digital citizens are learners who use their technology-driven powers conscientiously — and with empathy — to help make the world a better place.” They divide digital citizenship into three spheres: Digital Agent, Digital Interactor, and Digital Self.

Common Sense Education describes digital citizenship simply as, “the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and participate”.

Common Sense Education’s lesson resources for digital citizenship are now divided into these six topics:

• Media balance and wellbeing

• Privacy and security

• Digital footprint and identity

• Relationships and communication

• Cyberbullying, digital drama, and hate speech

• News and media literacy

Forbes research revealed that 65% of companies said that social media posts have helped them research thoroughly on their applicants’ qualifications. Some 51% of them utilize these public posts to check if the applicant is appropriate for a certain position or is flexible enough to adjust to the work environment and culture of the company.