Another important concept to understand is cybersafety. Cybersafety is the ability to protect yourself online (Make Use Of, 2017). Although cybersafety is complex, there are three key methods for staying safe online. First, you should always use strong passwords and use a different password for each account that you have (Make Use Of, 2017). Next, you should never share private information, such as your address or your age. Finally, you should only share information with people that you know and trust (Google, n.d.).

One way to teach students about cybersafety is by visiting Interland (Google, n.d.). Interland is an online program that combines games with quizzes to make users aware of some of the most important components of cybersafety. For example, the Tower of Treasure game provides instruction on how to create a strong password (Google, n.d.). Successfully completing each game awards a certificate that can be downloaded and printed. Older students could visit the website individually, complete the games and quizzes, and submit their certificates to their teachers. Younger students might prefer to use the website as a class, since they may not be able to read all of the text.

References

Google (n.d.). Interland: Be Internet awesome. Retrieved from https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/interland

Make Use Of (2017). 6 Internet safety games to help kids become cyber smart. Retrieved from https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-internet-safety-games-kids-cyber-smart/

Spoof Websites

One way to teach digital citizenship is through spoof websites. This activity might be best to do with older students who have a solid understanding of what is real and what is fiction. A great spoof website educates users about the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and how they can help prevent it from going extinct (Zapato, 2019). Teachers could introduce the lesson to their students by explaining that they are going to learn about a rare animal and opening the website on the class SMART Board. Some students will probably know instantly that the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus does not exist, but they can be reassured that they simply have never heard of it because it is so rare. After looking at a few pages on the website, ask the students if they think that the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus really exists, then have them write a list of ways that they knew that it was not a real animal. Conclude the activity by having students share their lists. For an enrichment activity, students could create their own spoof websites using what they have learned from the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus website (Zapato, 2019).

Social Media Rules

It is inevitable that today's students will be using social media. As a result, it is more important than ever for teachers to ensure that their students know how to use social media appropriately. Here are some rules for students to remember when using social media.

1. Never post private information - either your own or someone else's (Make Use Of, 2017). This includes information such as your age, address, and the school that you attend.
2. Make sure you know who you are talking to (eSafety Commissioner, n.d.). Not everyone is honest online.
3. Never cyberbully (Make Use Of, 2017). Remember that you are still communicating with a real person, even though you cannot see them.
4. Ask for help if you need it (eSafety Commissioner, n.d.). A parent/guardian or teacher is a good person to go to.

References

eSafety Commissioner (n.d.). Cybersmart challenge: Cybersmart detectives. Retrieved from https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/classroom-resources/challenge/cybersmart-detectives

Make Use Of (2017). 6 Internet safety games to help kids become cyber smart. Retrieved from https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-internet-safety-games-kids-cyber-smart/

Zapato, L. (2019). Help save the endangered Pacific Northwest tree octopus from extinction!. Retrieved from https://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/