digital citizenship presentation for students

• Digital Citizenship in Students: Examples and Practice Exercises

by Lcom Team | Apr 23, 2024 | Blogs

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Understanding 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. It’s about understanding the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with digital participation, and using technology in ways that are ethical, respectful, and safe.

For students, becoming responsible digital citizens means learning how to navigate the online world securely and ethically, understanding the implications of their digital footprints, respecting privacy and intellectual property, and developing positive communication skills in digital environments.

Examples of Digital Citizenship & Practice Exercises

“While the exact components of digital citizenship evolve with advances in technology, threats, media, and interconnectivity, the primary goal of digital citizenship stays relatively consistent.”

Taken from: What is Digital Citizenship & What Does It Include?

Below are fundamental skills included in digital citizenship, how it applies to students’ actions and interactions online, and exercises to put these digital citizenship skills into practice.

1. Engaging in Positive Online Behavior

Positive online behavior is the cornerstone of creating a safe and supportive digital environment. It helps in preventing cyberbullying, spreading kindness, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Positive interactions enhance the quality of digital communication and build healthy online communities.  

Cyberbullying has been a hot topic in 2024, and it’s no wonder why. 64% of American young adults (18-29) have experienced cyberbullying, with middle school-aged cyberbullying victims being statistically almost twice as likely to attempt suicide than non-victims.

In this skill, students should learn to participate in online forums or social media with respect and kindness, following the same social norms and etiquettes they would use in real life, avoiding cyberbullying and reporting any instances of it they encounter.

Activity 1: Role-Playing Different Scenarios Online – Students participate in role-playing activities where they navigate various online interactions, such as commenting on social media posts or responding to messages. The aim is to practice positive communication, empathy, and dealing with negative comments constructively.

Activity 2: Creating a Campaign – Students work in groups to create a digital campaign promoting kindness and respect online. They could use videos, posters, or social media to spread their message, discussing the impact of positive behavior on the digital community.

2. Protecting Personal Information

In an era where data breaches and identity theft are increasingly common, understanding how to protect personal information is essential to students’ safety online. This skill helps prevent students from becoming victims of fraud, protects their privacy and teaches them the value of confidentiality in the digital age.

With this skill, students learn to create strong, unique passwords for their online accounts and are taught the importance of not sharing personal information online. They should also understand the settings on social media that can help protect their information from being publicly accessible.

Activity 1: Password Strength Workshop – Students participate in a workshop to learn about creating strong passwords. They then create their own passwords and explain why they are secure. This can be followed by discussions on the importance of password management tools and how to store passwords securely.

Activity 2: Privacy Settings Exploration – Students are tasked with exploring the privacy settings on a variety of digital platforms (this can be done through guided simulations if direct access is restricted). They present their findings on how to protect personal information on these platforms.

3. Respecting Intellectual Property

Respecting intellectual property fosters creativity, innovation, and fair use of digital materials. It teaches students to value and acknowledge others’ work, leading to more ethical consumption and production of digital content. Understanding copyright laws and licensing also prepares students for future academic and professional endeavors.

When learning this skill, students are taught to cite sources correctly, whether they are using images, text or ideas from the internet. They understand the concept of copyright and the importance of not plagiarizing others’ work.

Activity 1: Copyright Quest – In this activity, students are divided into teams and given a list of online resources. They must determine which ones can be used freely, which require permission, and which ones need to be cited, explaining their reasoning.

Activity 2: Creative Commons Scavenger Hunt – Students participate in a scavenger hunt for images, videos, and texts that are licensed for free use under Creative Commons . They learn how to search for and cite these resources in their projects.

4. Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking

Digital literacy and critical thinking skills are vital in navigating the vast amounts of information available online. They enable students to discern credible sources from misinformation, enhancing their academic research skills and helping them make informed decisions in their personal and digital lives.

In mastering digital literacy skills for digital citizenship, students are trained to evaluate the credibility of online sources and to distinguish between credible news and misinformation. This involves lessons on how to identify reliable websites, check the facts, and cross-reference information.  

Activity 1: Fact or Fiction Challenge – Students are given a list of statements or news headlines and must research to determine if they are true or false. They present their findings along with the strategies they used to verify the information.

Activity 2: Creating a Reliable Source Guide – Students work in groups to create a guide on how to identify reliable sources online. The guide could include tips, tricks, and a list of credible websites across various subjects.

5. Contributing to the Digital Community

Contributing positively to digital communities encourages students to use their digital presence for good. Whether through advocacy, raising awareness on important issues or participating in global projects, it empowers students to be active, productive members of the digital society.

In learning this digital citizenship skill, students engage in creating positive digital content, such as blogs, videos, or art that expresses their ideas and opinions in constructive ways. They participate in online communities or projects that aim to make a difference, such as environmental campaigns or social justice initiatives.

Activity 1: Digital Service Projects – Students identify a community issue and use digital tools to address it, such as creating a website, a social media campaign or a digital art project that raises awareness or support.

Activity 2: Participate in Global Classroom Projects – Students join global classroom projects where they collaborate with peers from around the world on a project. This could involve cultural exchanges, environmental campaigns or collaborative research projects.

6. Understanding Digital Footprint and Privacy  

Awareness of one’s digital footprint and the implications it has for privacy is crucial in managing online identities. This skill helps students understand how their actions online can affect their future opportunities and relationships and includes educating students about privacy settings and the permanence of online actions, encouraging more mindful digital engagement.

In mastering this skill, students should learn about the concept of a digital footprint and how their actions online can have long-term consequences. They are taught to be mindful of what they share online and to understand the privacy policies of the platforms they use.

Activity 1: Digital Footprint Mapping – Students conduct an audit of their own digital footprint by researching themselves online. They reflect on their findings and create a plan for managing their digital footprint in the future.  

Activity 2: Privacy Policy Analysis – In groups, students select a popular online service and analyze its privacy policy. They present a summary of the policy, highlighting any concerns or surprising elements regarding data usage and privacy.

7. Safe Online Interactions

Safe online interactions protect students from potential harm, including cyber predators, scams and inappropriate content. Knowledge of how to interact safely online is essential for their security and well-being, ensuring they can navigate the digital world without falling prey to common dangers.

In learning this skill, students should be educated on the dangers of interacting with strangers online and on how to recognize and avoid potential online scams. They learn the importance of keeping personal conversations and information private and the risks involved in meeting online acquaintances in person without proper precautions.

Activity 1: Scam Identification Workshop – Students participate in a workshop where they learn about common online scams and how to identify them. They then apply this knowledge in a game format, identifying scams from real scenarios.

Activity 2: Creating a Safety Guide for Online Interactions – Students create a guide for safe online interactions, covering topics such as dealing with strangers online, recognizing phishing attempts and the importance of maintaining privacy in online communications.  

8. Balancing Screen Time

Balancing screen time is vital for physical and mental health for students. Excessive screen time can lead to issues such as eye strain, sleep disturbances, and reduced physical activity. Encouraging students to balance their digital activities with offline experiences promotes a healthier lifestyle and improves overall well-being.

In this skill, students are encouraged to develop healthy habits around technology use, learning to balance their online activities with offline ones. This includes setting limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity and real-life interactions.

Activity 1: Screen Time Diary – Students keep a diary of their screen time for a week, noting what activities they are engaging in online. They reflect on their screen time habits and set goals for balancing online and offline activities.

Activity 2: Designing a “Digital Detox” Plan – Students design a “digital detox” plan that includes structured times away from screens, alternative activities to engage in and strategies for disconnecting. They share their plans and discuss the benefits of taking regular breaks from digital devices.

Why Digital Citizenship Matters

Digital citizenship is not just about avoiding harm online; it’s about empowering students to use technology creatively, collaboratively, and effectively. By instilling the principles of digital citizenship in students, educators can help them navigate the complexities of the digital world, making them more informed, respectful and engaged digital citizens.

This education is essential in preparing students not only to face the challenges of the digital age but also to take advantage of its opportunities. Digital citizenship equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to participate fully in society, pursue their interests, and contribute positively to the digital communities they are part of.

Final Thoughts  

Learning.com Team

Staff Writers

Founded in 1999, Learning.com provides educators with solutions to prepare their students with critical digital skills. Our web-based curriculum for grades K-12 engages students as they learn keyboarding, online safety, applied productivity tools, computational thinking, coding and more.

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Digital Citizenship in Education

Bring Digital Citizenship to the Classroom in Meaningful Ways

Teaching digital citizenship has never been more important. Prepare students to stay safe, solve problems and become a force for good.

Teaching digital well-being doesn’t mean providing students with a list of “don’ts.” It’s about the do’s – modeling and practicing skills that help young people become thoughtful, empathetic digital citizens who know how to use technology to learn and solve problems in their digital and physical communities. 

The digital citizenship competencies, developed by the ISTE-led DigCit Coalition in conjunction with coalition partners, shift the conversation from don’ts to do’s.

The DigCit Competencies

Students participate in a healthy variety of online activities and know how to prioritize their time between virtual and physical activities.

Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective and validity of digital media, and have developed critical skills for curating information from digital sources.

Students are open to hearing and recognizing multiple viewpoints, and engaging with others online with respect and empathy.

Students use technology and digital channels to solve problems and be a force for good in their families and communities.

Students are aware of their digital actions and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.

Learn to Teach Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship in Action from ISTE U will guide you in how to bring digital citizenship to your classroom in meaningful ways and across various content areas. The 15-hour, self-paced course includes ongoing instructor support and is eligible for graduate credit.

Designed to help students consider the systems and structures in which they spend so much of their time, Ethics in a Digital World asks students to look at the technology around them through a critical lens.

Digital citizenship is a key component of the ISTE Standards. See how digital citizenship aligns with the student , educator , coaching and leader sections.

Download the Digital Citizenship Coalition publication: Setting Conditions for Success: A Guide for Creating Effective Responsible Use Policies (PDF).

Learn More From These Videos, Blog Posts and Learning Materials

Find out from classroom teachers and librarians how to embed digital citizenship into all subject areas and grade levels in the ISTE blog .

• Dive into the Digital Citizen Standard in this YouTube playlist to see various ways that educators teach digital citizenship across different content areas and grade levels according to the student section of the ISTE Standards. 
• In this YouTube video , discover how to take digital citizenship beyond monitoring and into mentoring with tips from educator Michael Hernandez and mother-and-son digital citizenship duo Marialice Curran and Curran Dee.
• Watch this YouTube playlist of session recordings from the 2022 DigCit Connect virtual summit and learn why the conversation around digital citizenship needs to move beyond online safety.

Connect brings together education change agents from around the world to share digital citizenship lessons and resources, get answers to questions and share best practices.

Join the Digital Citizenship Coalition

By supporting educators from around the world with resources, learning and engagement opportunities, we challenge students to stay safe, solve problems and become a force for positivity. This campaign brings together organizations with different perspectives, focus areas and expertise to support the education community.

Our Coalition Partners

Meet the organizations working together to redefine digital citizenship.

• artificial intelligence

Digital Citizenship 101: Educating Students for a Better Digital World

In an era defined by technology and connectivity, educators face the challenge of preparing students for a digital world that is constantly evolving. As teachers, we strive to equip our students with academic knowledge and the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in the digital age. One of the most critical skills we must impart upon them is digital citizenship.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship encompasses the values, knowledge, and behaviors individuals need to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. It goes beyond technical proficiency and delves into the realm of digital ethics, online safety, privacy, and responsible digital engagement. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and practising digital citizenship is of paramount importance for our students.

But why is digital citizenship such a crucial skill for our students to possess? The answer lies in the transformative power of technology and its pervasive influence on their lives. From social media platforms to online collaboration tools, technology has become an integral part of our students’ daily routines. While this digital realm presents immense opportunities for learning, creativity, and global connections, it also exposes them to various risks and challenges that are magnified when passed on to our youth.

Digital citizenship equips students with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and responsible decision-making, it empowers them to be informed and engaged participants in the digital world. Digital citizens understand the importance of respect, kindness, and ethical behavior in online interactions, creating a positive digital culture.

Teaching digital citizenship helps students develop the skills they need for today and prepares them for their future careers. As technology continues to shape the workforce, employers will desire individuals who can demonstrate digital responsibility, effective communication, and collaboration in online environments. By imparting digital citizenship skills, we enable our students to become responsible and ethical professionals with the competencies required in the digital age.

Moreover, incorporating digital citizenship education into our classrooms is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. By teaching students about online safety, digital footprint management, cyberbullying prevention, and critical evaluation of online content, we empower them to navigate the digital landscape confidently while protecting their well-being. Digital citizenship education ensures our students are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the potential consequences of their online actions.

In the following sections of this article, we will delve deeper into the key components of digital citizenship and explore practical strategies for integrating digital citizenship education into our classrooms.

What digital ethics do our students require?

It is essential for individuals to adhere to a set of principles and values in the digital realm, which are commonly known to teachers and students as digital ethics. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, students must gain a solid understanding of digital ethics to responsibly navigate the complexities of the digital world. There are several key digital ethics that students must understand, including:

Respect and Kindness: Students should comprehend the importance of treating others with respect and kindness in all online interactions. This means avoiding cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. Encouraging empathy and fostering positive communication is crucial to creating a healthy and inclusive digital environment.

Privacy and Security: Students must understand the importance of safeguarding their personal information and respecting the privacy of others. They should know the potential risks of sharing sensitive data online and learn how to protect their privacy through strong passwords, privacy settings, and responsible data-sharing practices.

Digital Footprint Management: Students should be educated about the concept of a digital footprint—the traces they leave behind through their online activities. They must recognize that their digital footprints can have long-lasting consequences that they have little to no control or ownership of, impacting their reputation, education, and future opportunities. Students should learn to curate a positive digital footprint by thoughtfully considering what they share online.

Copyright and Intellectual Property: Students should develop an understanding of intellectual property rights and respect copyright laws. They need to learn to attribute and cite sources properly when using digital content and understand the implications of plagiarism. Encouraging creativity while respecting the intellectual property of others is vital.

Critical Evaluation of Information: In the age of abundant information, students must develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability, credibility, and bias of online sources. They should learn to discern accurate information from misinformation or fake news . Instilling a sense of media literacy empowers students to make informed decisions and engage in responsible digital citizenship.

Digital Balance and Well-being: Students must be aware of the potential impact of excessive screen time and digital addiction on their well-being. Balancing online and offline activities, such as physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and self-care, is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Digital Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities: Students should understand their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens. This includes respecting the terms of service of online platforms, adhering to appropriate online behavior guidelines, and understanding the consequences of their actions online. Encouraging responsible digital engagement and fostering a sense of civic responsibility is crucial.

There is now another aspect of dealing with digital rights and responsibilities, which has become apparent with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. And that is, when a machine makes a decision that excludes or impacts your life in a meaningful way are there any rights you have to challenge or contest the efficacy and legality of the process?

By integrating these digital ethics into their mindset and behavior, students can become ethical digital citizens who contribute positively to the digital world while protecting their own well-being and respecting the rights of others.

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

Strategies for Teaching Digital Citizenship

In this section, we have curated some proven strategies that, whilst not dedicated lessons, can be easily integrated into your teacher planner with minimal fuss.

Incorporate Digital Citizenship into the Curriculum: Integrate digital citizenship lessons and activities into your curriculum across various subjects and grade levels. Find opportunities to discuss responsible online behavior, critical evaluation of online sources, digital footprint management, and ethical use of technology within the context of different subjects. This approach helps students understand the relevance of digital citizenship in their academic pursuits and daily lives.

Interactive Discussions and Case Studies: Engage students in interactive discussions and case studies that prompt critical thinking about real-world digital citizenship scenarios. Present them with dilemmas and ethical challenges related to privacy, cyberbullying, intellectual property, or online etiquette. Encourage students to analyze and discuss possible solutions, consider different perspectives, and evaluate the consequences of their actions. These discussions help students develop their decision-making skills and ethical reasoning.

Digital Citizenship Pledges and Agreements: Collaboratively create digital citizenship pledges or agreements with your students. These documents outline the rights and responsibilities of digital citizens and establish shared expectations for online behavior within the classroom and beyond. Involve students in discussing and drafting the guidelines, allowing them to take ownership of their digital citizenship commitments. Display the pledges prominently in the classroom and revisit them periodically to reinforce the importance of responsible digital conduct.

Example of a student digital citizenship pledge

Note: This is just an example, and students can personalize their digital citizenship pledge based on their understanding and commitment to responsible and respectful digital behavior.

Digital Citizenship Lessons and Resources: Utilize various age-appropriate resources and lesson plans specifically designed to teach digital citizenship. Websites like Common Sense Education, Digital Citizenship Institute, and iKeepSafe offer a wealth of resources, including videos, interactive games, and lesson plans that cover different aspects of digital citizenship. These resources can provide structured guidance and engaging activities to supplement your teaching.

5 Digital Citizenship resources we can highly recommend

Common Sense Education ( https://www.commonsense.org/education/ ): Common Sense Education offers a wide range of resources, lesson plans, and interactive activities for teaching digital citizenship. The website provides engaging videos, games, and interactive lessons that cover various aspects of digital citizenship, including internet safety, privacy, online communication, and digital footprints.

Digital Passport ( https://www.digitalpassport.org/ ): Digital Passport, developed by Common Sense Education, is an interactive game-based website that allows students to explore different aspects of digital citizenship. Through engaging scenarios, students learn about internet safety, privacy, cyberbullying, and responsible online behavior. The website provides teachers with resources, including lesson plans and discussion guides.

Be Internet Awesome ( https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/ ): Developed by Google in partnership with experts in online safety, Be Internet Awesome offers interactive games and resources to teach students about critical digital citizenship skills. The website covers topics such as online privacy, security, responsible communication, and identifying fake news . It also includes a curriculum for educators to use in the classroom.

iKeepSafe ( https://ikeepsafe.org/ ): iKeepSafe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting digital citizenship, privacy, and internet safety. Their website provides a range of resources for educators, parents, and students. It includes lesson plans, videos, and interactive games that cover topics like online safety, cyberbullying prevention, information literacy, and responsible digital behavior.

Digital Citizenship Institute ( https://www.digitalcitizenship.net/ ): The Digital Citizenship Institute offers a wealth of resources and tools to teach students about responsible digital citizenship. The website provides educators with lesson plans, webinars, and research-based strategies for integrating digital citizenship into the curriculum. It covers topics such as digital footprints, online privacy, critical thinking, and global digital citizenship.

These websites offer valuable resources and engaging activities to help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Remember to review the content on these websites to ensure they align with your specific educational goals and requirements.

Authentic Practice and Digital Projects: Provide students with opportunities to apply digital citizenship skills and principles through authentic projects. Assign projects that require online research , collaboration, and the responsible use of digital tools. Emphasize the importance of citing sources, evaluating information critically, and respecting intellectual property. Encourage students to reflect on their digital choices and the impact of their online contributions. Students can internalize digital citizenship principles and apply them in real-world contexts by engaging in meaningful, hands-on activities.

Remember to adapt these strategies to the specific needs and age group of your students.

Assessing Digital Citizenship

As educators, we must assess our students’ digital citizenship skills to ensure they can navigate the digital world responsibly and ethically. While traditional assessment methods may not fully capture the nuances of digital citizenship, there are various strategies and tools that can help evaluate students’ understanding and application of these vital skills. In this article, we will explore practical approaches to assess students’ digital citizenship and promote their growth in this essential area.

Observation and Reflection: Observation is a powerful tool for assessing students’ digital citizenship. Take note of students’ online behavior, such as how they communicate, collaborate, and engage with others in digital spaces. Look for respectful and inclusive online interactions, responsible use of technology, and ethical decision-making. Reflect on these observations, considering the context and impact of their actions. Provide constructive feedback and engage students in reflective discussions to help them understand the consequences of their online behavior and how they can improve.

Self-Assessment and Digital Portfolios: Encourage students to assess their own digital citizenship skills through self-reflection. Provide them with rubrics or checklists that outline the key components of digital citizenship, such as privacy, respectful communication, critical evaluation of information, and responsible technology use. Ask students to evaluate their performance and identify areas for growth. Digital portfolios can also serve as a means for students to showcase their responsible online behavior, ethical contributions, and reflections on their digital citizenship journey.

Projects and Assignments: Assign projects and assignments that require students to apply their digital citizenship skills. For example, task students with creating multimedia presentations on responsible online behavior, or have them collaborate on a digital project while adhering to ethical guidelines. Assess their ability to cite sources, respect intellectual property, and engage in positive digital interactions. Rubrics can be created to evaluate their performance based on criteria related to digital citizenship, providing specific feedback on their strengths and areas that require improvement.

Digital Citizenship Quizzes and Assessments: Design short quizzes or assessments to gauge students’ understanding of digital citizenship concepts. Include questions that assess their knowledge of online safety, privacy settings, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible digital communication. These assessments can be administered in class or through digital platforms, providing immediate feedback to students. Use the results to identify areas where students need additional support or clarification, and adapt your teaching accordingly.

Peer Feedback and Evaluation: Promote peer assessment and feedback as a valuable tool for evaluating digital citizenship. Encourage students to review and provide constructive feedback on their peers’ online contributions, such as blog posts, digital presentations, or collaborative projects. Develop clear criteria for evaluation, emphasizing the importance of respectful and constructive feedback. This gives students a deeper understanding of digital citizenship and fosters a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining a positive digital culture.

Assessing students’ digital citizenship is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of observation, self-assessment, project-based evaluation, quizzes, and peer feedback. By implementing these strategies, we can gain valuable insights into students’ digital citizenship skills and guide their growth in this vital area.

As teachers, our role goes beyond imparting knowledge; we nurture responsible and ethical digital citizens. By employing these assessment strategies, we can evaluate students’ digital citizenship skills, provide targeted feedback, and support their development as responsible and confident participants in the digital world.

As technology continues to penetrate so much of our lives, many of these teaching ideas and strategies mentioned above will become less about teaching students to be upstanding digital citizens and more about becoming respectful, informed and active citizens, which can’t be a bad outcome.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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What Is Digital Citizenship? (Plus, Ideas for Teaching It)

Teach kids to be safe, responsible, and respectful online.

The internet is integral to our lives, and it’s a rare day that we don’t spend at least some time online. Kids need the internet too, which is why it’s so important to teach them how to use it smartly and safely. So what is good digital citizenship, and how can you teach it? Here’s some information to get you started.

What is digital citizenship?

Source: SafeSitter

Being a good citizen is generally about interacting with others in a way that’s safe and respectful. In society, good citizens are those who help others, take care of their own responsibilities, and follow laws. On the internet, good digital citizens do the same. They practice smart safety routines to protect themselves, treat others with respect, and follow the laws, rules, and guidelines.

Digital Safety

Staying safe online has become an enormous issue in recent years. We must all be careful to safeguard our financial and other private information, and we must know how to recognize scams and other dangers.

A safe digital citizen:

• Understands how the internet itself generally works .
• Knows how to create strong passwords and understands how and why to keep them private.
• Can set and change the security log-in passwords, codes, thumbprint, facial recognition, etc., on their devices.
• Recognizes spam , phishing , clickbait , and catfishing attempts and knows what to do about them.
• Understands how websites gather user data ( cookies ) and what they may do with it.
• Realizes that once something is posted on the internet, it’s very difficult (at times impossible) to remove all traces of it permanently.
• Recognizes when they need a break from screen time and is able to take those breaks.
• Posts thoughtfully on social media, taking care not to overshare.
• Knows how to shop and bank safely online.
• Understands how to determine if a website and the information it provides is reliable.

Digital Respect

The web offers a certain degree of anonymity, and that can be helpful sometimes. But other times, people feel empowered by anonymity to bully others, steal data, or post fake or misleading information.

A respectful digital citizen:

• Does not cyberbully others.
• Follows a website’s guidelines and rules and respects the moderators.
• Knows that not everyone has equal access to the internet ( Digital Divide ).
• Uses social media and other websites with respect for others and their privacy.
• Does not post pictures or information about others without their permission.
• Understands the social and professional norms (and how they differ) of using email and instant messaging.

These lists are definitely not comprehensive, but they’re a good place to start when talking about digital citizenship with kids and teens.

Why do we need to teach it to students?

Source: Virtual Library

The world can be a risky and even downright dangerous place. When children are very young, we keep them at home and only allow them to go out with a responsible adult who can watch out for their safety. As they get older, though, we know we have to let them start taking care of themselves. So, we show them safety skills like how to cross the street. We teach them what to do if they feel endangered and how to treat other people with respect. A bit at a time, we start letting them try out these skills on their own, because we know that one day, they’ll have to do these things for themselves.

Digital citizenship is exactly the same. When kids are little, we restrict their time online and ensure they’re being safe when they do go on the web by sitting right beside them. When they start school, they’ll be required to use the web more, and they eventually will want their own smartphones and laptops. If we give them these devices but don’t teach them digital citizenship, it’s like sending a toddler out to cross a busy street alone.

Some parents react to these dangers of the web by restricting their kids’ access long into their teen years. But it makes more sense to use the internet alongside them when they’re younger, teaching them the skills they need to be safe and responsible online. Just as you helped them learn to cross the street, you can teach them how to use the web as a good citizen.

Digital Citizenship Activities

Need ideas for teaching kids to be good digital citizens? Try some of these.

Want free printable guides for the classroom and for parents?

These Free Guides for Parents & Teachers Help Teach Smart Tech Skills

Need to help kids read and analyze online articles more effectively?

Teach Kids How To Read Digital Texts Deeply

Looking for ways to help kids get practice with real-life situations?

10 Role-Play Scenarios for Tough Tech Moments

Want to help elementary students learn online respect?

These Free SEL Lessons for Grades 2-6 Help Students Learn To Be Kind Online

Love cartoon bears?

Teach Digital Literacy With Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears

Need a simple way to get the big ideas across?

These 5 Big Ideas Are All You Need To Teach Internet Safety to Your Students

Interested in some engaging digital citizenship visuals?

20 Anchor Charts To Help Boost Kids’ Tech Skills

Want to offer some guidance to your students’ parents?

12 Questions Parents Should Ask Their Kids About Tech

Looking for tips to keep kids safe online during school breaks?

5 Ways Kids Can Nurture Healthy Digital Habits This Summer

Need to help students ensure their screen-use habits are healthy?

How Schools Are Bringing Commonsense Mindfulness to Screen Time

Worried about kids who spend too much time online?

A Teacher’s Guide to Digital Stress and Social Media Addiction

How do you teach digital citizenship in your classroom? Come share your ideas and ask for advice on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the 10 best tech tools for student assessment ..

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• Collections
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1. Build a Mind Map—Visual Learners

2. role playing games—experiential learners, 3. read it out loud—auditory learners, 4. interview a peer or adult—social learners, 5. notecards for solitary learners, 6. class presentations—verbal learners.

• 7. Article & Essay—Reading & Writing Learners

7 Digital Citizenship Activities for Different Learning Styles

Some educators (parents and teachers alike) assume digital citizenship as a tricky subject to teach in part because kids are interacting with technology all day. In response to that, this article presents some fun activities anyone can use to teach kids how to recognize the dangers of an online world and become a good digital citizen—emphasis on good.

Let's start with a question: What is a good digital citizen? A good digital citizen is anyone who develops skills to help them navigate the internet safely and use digital devices responsibly. Though digital citizenship is a broad term, it can be boiled down to 3 important concepts: internet safety, cyberbullying, and digital wellness.

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent that wants to teach positive online habits, the following seven digital citizenship activities will help.

Some kids learn best by mapping out or visualizing concepts, essentially using a mind map. Before starting this activity, introduce the concept of a scam and discuss ways to recognize and avoid scams . Next, ask your students to jot down 1-3 scams and create branches that indicate the steps a scammer might take to trick an unsuspecting internet user into falling victim to it. Encourage them to think of as many tactics as possible. Finally, invite your students to share and discuss their maps within peer groups.

Some kids have to experience online dangers firsthand before truly understanding the importance of internet safety. In such cases, introduce your child to role-playing games that enable children to encounter real-world dangers without facing real-world risks.

Banzai offers multiple free online digital citizenship games , along with other learning activities designed for elementary and middle-school-aged students. These games narrow down into specific topics and allow kids to role-play through a variety of real-world scenarios. This helps them master digital citizenship skills, assess how technology impacts their mental and physical health, and learn about the damaging effects of harmful words and cyberbullying.

Search for an article that recounts an online fraud experience. Invite students to read the experience out loud, either in a classroom setting or at home. After reading different sections, facilitate an open-ended discussion about potential preventive measures for the fraud. Additionally, you may want to explore and discuss the ' 8 Internet Safety Rules for Kids .'

The damaging effects technology can have on someone’s mental and physical health needs to be addressed, and starting that discussion early is beneficial. This activity is a great way to get the discussion started.

Invite kids to interview a peer or an adult about the adult's experience with technology. Feel free to come up with some questions of your own as an interview guide us any of the following options:

• Do you find yourself participating heavily in the late-night scrolling culture where you go to bed relatively early but stay up late scrolling through social media channels?
• How often do you experience dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, or itching/burning eyes during or after looking at screens?
• How often does your neck, shoulder, or back hurt after looking at your computer or phone (not caused from a related injury or illness)? This is sometimes called text neck.
• How often do you use apps or devices to track fitness or encourage healthy living?
• When you look up an answer to a question online, how often do you read multiple sources or points of view?
• How often do you zone out while on your device (watching videos, scrolling through a feed, playing a game that doesn't require thought, etc.)?
• Do you find it hard to concentrate on off-screen activities (reading a book, writing without a computer, etc.)?
• Would you feel lonely, anxious, or stressed if you had to go a day without your phone?
• How often do you take a post down because it didn't get enough likes?
• How often do you feel jealous of something you see online?
• On average, how many of your online interactions would you say are negative? (arguing, leaving negative reviews, looking at hurtful comments, etc.)
• How important is it for you to present a perfect representation of yourself online?

It's important to note that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Some responses may focus on positive aspects, while others may touch on the negative. The goal is to prompt students to reflect on their relationship with technology and to open up the topic for discussion.

Give kids a list of digital citizenship vocab terms and invite them to make flashcards of them. Here’s a list of some important internet safety terms to get you started:

• Digital Citizen: Someone who uses the internet or mobile devices effectively.
• Anonymous: When someone keeps their identity secret so that their actions can't be tied to them.
• Blackmail: When someone forces a target to do something by saying they'll reveal information that the target wants to keep private.
• Brute Force Attack: A way for hackers to get into accounts with weak passwords. They use a computer to automatically input thousands of common passwords until it enters the correct one.
• Catfishing: When a person uses an online persona to gain the trust of someone else.
• Cyberstalking: Messaging, commenting, or talking to someone digitally in a way that's threatening or stressful.
• Denigration: A type of cyberbullying that focuses on making someone look bad by spreading rumors or gossip.
• Digital Wellness: A part of your health that is impacted by technology. Strong digital wellness means a healthy relationship with technology.
• Doctored photos or videos: Photos and videos that have been edited to look real. They will often change what a person is doing, place their face on someone else's body, or even add them to a place they never were.
• Flaming: A type of cyberbullying that focuses on posting or sending insults and offensive comments.
• Hate Speech: Insults or harsh words that target someone based on a part of their identity, such as their religion or race.
• Impersonation: A type of cyberbullying that focuses on pretending to be someone you aren't online in order to hurt someone else.
• Intellectual Health: An aspect of your overall wellness that focuses on the mind (creativity, curiosity, learning, open-mindedness). It's a measure of how willing you are to explore new ideas and grow intellectually.
• Malicious Adware: Ad software that can install viruses onto your device, show you inappropriate ads, or pop up excessive ads online.
• Malware: Software designed to gain unauthorized access to and disrupt or damage a computer system.
• Mental Health: A part of overall wellness that includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how you feel, handle stress, and relate to other people.
• Outing or doxing: A type of cyberbullying that focuses on revealing private information about someone else online.
• Phishing: When a scammer impersonates or claims to represent a legitimate company or person online in order to trick you into giving them money or information.
• Physical Health: One part of your overall well-being that focuses on your physical body. It takes into account activity level, nutrition, sleep cycle, injuries, illnesses, etc.
• Ransomware: A malicious software that blocks access to a phone or computer system until a sum of money is paid.
• Remote Access: The ability to control your device through another phone or computer. It usually requires downloading some kind of app or software.

Verbal learners retain more information when they can listen to a discussion or presentation. You can choose to take one of two approaches for this activity: you can invite groups of students to research, create, and present various digital citizenship topics to the classroom, or you could deliver a custom-made presentation yourself and have the students take notes.

7. Article & Essay—Reading & Writing Learners

This activity encourages kids to explore digital citizenship by reading one or two articles and composing a short essay, around 500 words, to share their thoughts on the insights gained. Unsure where to begin? Have your students consider reading any of the articles below:

• Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
• Protect Yourself Online
• 50 Internet Safety Tips
• 8 Internet Safety Rules for Kids

The concept of teaching digital citizenship to students is not new; in fact, many schools have already implemented workshops and lessons on the topic. Whether you have experience with digital citizenship or not, the crucial aspect is to discover activities that cater to each student's learning style.

Many parents may feel helpless as their kids navigate a highly connected world—especially when some adults did not grow up with such a strong connection to technology. The top priority is to protect kids and teach them how to stay safe online, even if articulating this concept might be challenging.

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Digital citizenship: Prepare today’s learners for online success

Using technology well and understanding how online actions affect self and others are foundational skills. These skills are necessary to understand the importance of teaching digital citizenship in today’s educational environments.

Learning objectives

In this module, you will:

• Define digital citizenship.
• List five statements to support teaching digital citizenship through a positive lens.
• Identify ways to integrate digital citizenship skills into lessons and activities.

Prerequisites

• Introduction min
• Define digital citizenship min
• Pedagogical view min
• Be online min
• Be public min
• Be personal min
• Be respectful min
• Be perceptive min
• Teacher takeaways min
• Knowledge check min
• Summary min