Digital Citizenship

  • What is Digital Citizenship?

    “Digital citizenship” refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level. 

    Learn more about Raising a Digital Citizen.

     

    Parenting Tips:

    Tips for keeping students safe online and at home.

       

    Cell Phones

    Cell phone history options allow you to view past callers and messages. Although the history can be deleted, contact your cell phone provider for any other options available.

     

    Terminology:

    • "Sexting" is a term used to describe inappropriate photos or text sent via cell phone.
    • “Geotagging” allows users to note where they are located in a Smart Phone photo.

     

    Additional resources:

     

    Cyberbullying

    Cyberbullying involves the use of technologies to display behavior that harms another through email, instant messaging, text messaging and social networking sites, so that hurtful messages can be posted and shared.

     

    Tips:

    • Do not respond or retaliate to inappropriate communication.
    • Save the messages and note the date and time.
    • Utilize the blocking feature in social networking sites, email or instant messaging. This will keep unwanted correspondence from occurring again. 
    • You can also block numbers on your cell phone or change your personal phone number. 
    • Only give out your phone number to those you trust.
    • Notify the provider of inappropriate behavior by activating the "abuse" tool available on many sites.
    • Contact a trusted adult, teacher, school counselor or parent. Further assistance is available here.

     

    Additional resources:

    Ethics

    “Plagiarism” is the use of another's work as your own. With the Internet, all material is copyrighted unless it states otherwise. Such material includes but is not limited to, images, music, text and videos. 

     

    The following tips will help encourage ethical cyber citizenship:

    • Note all sources used in a project. Any material copied from an outside source, including the Internet, must be cited.
    • Use quotation marks around sentences or phrases directly copied from an outside source and cite this information.
    • Keep a running source list as you find images and text for a school project. Visit with the school library media specialist for more information.

     

    Additional resources:

     

    Gaming

    Online gaming provides the opportunity to play games from a computer or other streaming device. Some consoles and sites have a social element, as users can play anyone from around the world. Chatting, IM and other social tools exist within these games.

     

    Tips:

    • Check to see if the game has moderators.
    • Do not accept downloads from strangers including cheat programs. These programs often have viruses or malware that can harm your computer.
    • Be a good sport - what you say online should be appropriate. Do not respond to bullying comments.

     

    Additional resources:

     

    Instant Messaging & Email

    Instant messaging (IM) allows users to correspond online with others. IM can occur through a mobile device or computer with Internet access. Similar to text messaging, IM allows users to correspond in brief text. Popular IM platforms include iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SnapChat, and WeChat

     

    Email also allows users to interact online. Follow the common email usage tips below:

    • Privacy – do not share your password with others.
    • Unknown - Do not open emails or attachments from an unknown source. Block messages from unknown sources.
    • Unsubscribe - Scroll to the bottom of the email and choose unsubscribe to be removed from the list of unwanted emails.
    • Use two-factor authentication.

     

    Additional resources:

     

    Social Networking

    Social networking websites provide a social atmosphere by allowing users to share personal information. Popular sites include Facebook, Google+ and Twitter with similar elements including status updates, photo share, friend list or followers, chat, gaming and internal messaging/email. Most social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook are intended for those ages 13 and older. Learn more here.

     

    Additional resources: