Digital Citizenship

Being a good digital citizen is about more than just knowing the rules. It’s about applying them every time you go online. Remember, the internet is a powerful tool that can be used for learning, connecting, and having fun. Use it wisely!

1. Privacy Online

Privacy is crucial for staying safe on the internet. Here’s how to protect your personal information:

• Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for different accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Think Before You Share: Only share personal information, like your address or phone number, with permission from a parent or teacher.

• Adjust Privacy Settings: Regularly check the privacy settings on social media and other online accounts to control who sees your information.

Tip 2: Protect Your Stuff

Tip 3: Know & Use Your Settings

2. Being a Responsible Online Citizen

Being responsible online means showing respect and kindness to others. Here are some guidelines:

• Respect Others: Treat people online the way you want to be treated. Be polite and avoid hurtful comments.

• Think Before You Post: Consider the impact of your words and photos. Once something is online, it can be difficult to remove.

• Credit Sources: If you use information or images from the internet, credit the original creators. Not doing so is plagiarism. 

Tip 1: Think Before You Share

Tip 5: Be Positive

Creativity, Copyright, and Fair Use

3. Understanding Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue. Here’s how to handle it:

• Recognize It: Cyberbullying includes mean messages, spreading rumors online, and posting hurtful content.

• Report It: Tell a trusted adult or use the platform's reporting tools to report cyberbullying.

• Support Others: Stand up for friends and peers who are being bullied. Show kindness and support.

Is it Cyberbullying?

4. Safe Online Communication

Communicating online has its own set of rules.

• Be Clear and Respectful: Misunderstandings happen easily online. Be clear and respectful in your messages.

• Don’t Share Personal Information: Keep personal details like your full name, address, and school private when chatting online.

• Beware of Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with people you don’t know in real life.

Teen Voices: Who You're Talking to Online

5. Digital Footprint

Everything you do online leaves a trace. This is known as your digital footprint.

• Stay Positive: Your digital footprint includes all the information you share and how you behave online. Keep it positive.

• Future Implications: Remember that colleges and employers might look at your online activity. Make sure it represents you well.

Teen Voices: Oversharing and Your Digital Footprint

6. Evaluating Online Information

Not everything you read online is true. Here’s how to evaluate information:

• Check the Source: Verify the credibility of the website or author.

• Look for Evidence: Reliable information is supported by evidence and multiple sources.

• Be Skeptical of Sensational Claims: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Tip 4: Avoid Scams

Quick Tips Recap

• Use strong, unique passwords.

• Adjust privacy settings.

• Respect others online.

• Think before you post.

• Report and stand against cyberbullying.

• Communicate safely and respectfully.

• Maintain a positive digital footprint.

• Evaluate the credibility of online information.

Make good choices to stay safe online!