Digital citizenship is a critical component of early education, as it equips students with the skills needed to navigate technology safely and responsibly. In my kindergarten classroom, I focus on introducing digital citizenship concepts in ways that are developmentally appropriate and engaging. Teaching young learners about online safety, respect, and responsibility lays the foundation for safe and positive digital habits as they grow older.
The ISTE Standards for Students emphasize that children should become empowered learners and responsible digital citizens, even at an early age. With this in mind, I integrate resources that help my students learn how to use technology thoughtfully. One particularly helpful resource is Common Sense Education’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which provides lessons, interactive videos, and discussion prompts tailored for younger grades (Common Sense Education, n.d.). I have used these lessons to introduce topics such as keeping personal information private and understanding the importance of being kind online.
Another valuable tool is Google’s Be Internet Awesome program, which includes the interactive game Interland. This program is designed with colorful visuals and scenarios that resonate with young learners, allowing students to explore online safety, privacy, and cyberbullying prevention in a playful environment (Google, n.d.). The game format is particularly effective in my kindergarten setting because it allows students to practice decision-making in simulated online situations.
For additional interactive experiences, BrainPOP’s Digital Citizenship collection offers animated videos and short quizzes that spark meaningful classroom discussions. These resources break down complex ideas, such as digital footprints and responsible media use, into child-friendly explanations (BrainPOP, n.d.). Similarly, Netsmartz Kids provides engaging safety videos and games that teach children how to protect themselves online, which is especially relevant at the kindergarten level where students are still learning the basics of safe internet use (Netsmartz Kids, n.d.).
I also incorporate PBS LearningMedia’s Digital Citizenship Resources, which align digital safety with social-emotional learning. These lessons and videos support younger students in recognizing emotions, making responsible choices, and applying kindness both in-person and online (PBS LearningMedia, n.d.). This resource helps me tie digital citizenship to the social skills I am already reinforcing daily in my classroom.
Finally, Childnet International’s Digizen Game introduces scenarios about online respect and cyberbullying in ways that even young learners can begin to grasp (Childnet International, n.d.). While designed for a broad audience, it can be adapted for kindergarten by simplifying the language and focusing on core messages of kindness and responsibility.
Through these resources, I am able to build a comprehensive digital citizenship foundation for my students. By weaving these lessons into everyday classroom routines, I not only address curriculum standards but also prepare students to be safe, respectful, and thoughtful participants in their digital communities.
BrainPOP. (n.d.). Digital citizenship. BrainPOP. https://www.brainpop.com/technology/digitalcitizenship/
Childnet International. (n.d.). Digizen game. UK Safer Internet Centre. https://saferinternet.org.uk/resource/digizen-game
Common Sense Education. (n.d.). Digital citizenship curriculum. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship
Google. (n.d.). Be Internet Awesome: Digital safety & citizenship curriculum. Google for Education. https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us
Internet Matters. (n.d.). Primary school e-safety resources. Internet Matters. https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/primary/
Netsmartz Kids. (n.d.). Netsmartz Kids: Online safety education. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
PBS LearningMedia. (n.d.). Digital citizenship resources. PBS. https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/subjects/engineering--technology/technological-literacy/digital-citizenship/