Digital Citizenship

Ramsey is a Common Sense certified digital citizenship district, one of only a handful in the country.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital media and technology are evolving at a dizzying pace, both unlocking extraordinary opportunities and posing real risks for young people. Students are using the immense power of the Internet and mobile technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined, both in and out of the classroom. But issues that emerge from this 24/7 "connected culture," such as cyberbullying, privacy lapses, and uncertainty about which information to trust online, are surfacing both in schools and at home.

The Ramsey School District sees these as teachable moments. We believe that digital citizenship skills have become essential for students in the 21st century, especially in schools like ours that are using technology to transform learning. That's why we are committed to teaching our students how to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly. All Ramsey schools earned the distinction of Common Sense Certified Schools: Digital Citizenship, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital literacy and citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. This recognition is provided by Common Sense Education, part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum is a K-12 district wide initiative. Common Sense Media is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. Our K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum teaches students how to make safe, smart, and ethical decisions in the digital world. Learning how to use media and technology wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in the 21st century.

Our cross-curricular lessons focus on topics in the following categories:

  • Privacy and Security (strong passwords, protect identity, strategies for dealing with spam)

  • Relationships and Communication (being responsible and respectful online)

  • Cyber Bullying (strategies for recognizing and handling cyberbullying)

  • Digital Footprint and Reputations Exploring and understanding the consequences of digital decisions

  • Self-image and Identity (online vs. offline identify, Digital photo alteration and it’s relation to our perceptions of beauty and health)

  • Information Literacy (search/evaluate websites, create bibliography)

  • Creative Credit and Copyright (responsibilities and rights of creators online)

  • Internet Safety (talking safely online)

Introduction Letter

This is a brief introduction letter from the Director of Curriculum about the district's use of Common Sense Education's K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum.

dig-cit-letter-parent_040116_writable.pdf

Family Resources from Common Sense Media

Family Media Agreement

This is a sample agreement about media use for families to use with the K-5 children.

family_media_agreements_k-12.pdf

Family Tip Sheet

This resource has tips for families on many different issues related to digital citizenship.

cf_familytipsheets_allbundled.pdf

Parent Resources from High Impact Youth Training Solutions

(April 11, 2018 Parent Academy)

Social media settings parental controls.pdf
Internet Safety Top ten wbio.pdf
Social Media Discussion Points for Parents.pdf