Common sense media (CSM) is nonprofit that aims to provide recommendations on technology resources for families and educators. This website provides reviews and ratings on the safety and security of hundreds of online platforms and websites, and even offers certifications for teaching about the privacy and security of being a digital citizen. CSM is an essential tool for educators to ensure that any online applications used in their classroom will protect the privacy and confidentiality of their students. They also provide a plethora of curriculum-based lesson plans on teaching students about the digital world and the responsibility they take as digital citizens.

Common sense media's privacy program is designed to help educators and families know how secure certain online platforms are before they decided to enter any information about their children. CSM has a team of expert reviewers who evaluate the ins and outs of online media and sources that require the use of any personal information. They then rate them as a "pass", "warning", or "fail" on a list of criteria regarding the safety regulations taken on by the platform to protect user's personal information. A final percentage score is given to the online application depending on how well their safety regulations aligned with the CSM privacy policies.

During my completion of the common sense media Teaching Digital Citizenship certification, I learned that being a digital citizen means you are using technology to engage with society. I also learned that there are six core areas where students should consider when it comes to being responsible digital citizens. When it comes to using technology responsibly, it goes beyond just being a good digital citizen as it addresses a much broader set of skills that involve cautious participation in the digital world.

Common sense media's digital curriculum is designed to address issues and situations students may face as their exposure to the digital world increases throughout the course of their lives. Within the curriculum are six core topics pertaining to digital citizenships, which are divided among grade levels to fit the needs and experiences of different age groups. Each lesson offers step-by-step instructions for the educator as well as the estimated time for each objective. Along with these delivery instructions, are additional materials such as powerpoints, videos, and quizzes that can be used during the lesson along with instructions on how to integrate them.

During my completion of common sense media's Protecting Student Privacy certification, I learned that there are three essential tips to keep in mind as an educator when implementing new technology into the classroom. The first is to check your school district's policy on what apps are and are not permitted for use in the classroom with students. The second is to check common sense's privacy evaluations before utilizing any unfamiliar apps with students. And the third is to read about the privacy policies yourself just to know all the guidelines and help you to determine whether or not you feel safe utilizing them with your students.