essay about being a digital citizen

Essay on Digital Citizenship

Students are often asked to write an essay on Digital Citizenship in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Digital Citizenship

What is digital citizenship.

Digital Citizenship is about using the internet and digital devices in a responsible and respectful manner. It’s like being a good citizen in the digital world. We should use technology in a way that doesn’t harm others and helps us learn and grow.

Why is Digital Citizenship Important?

Digital Citizenship is important because we spend a lot of time online. We learn, play, and talk with friends on the internet. Being a good digital citizen helps us use the internet safely and respectfully. It also helps us understand the impact of our actions online.

Elements of Digital Citizenship

There are several parts to being a good digital citizen. These include understanding digital etiquette, knowing how to stay safe online, respecting other people’s digital rights, and being aware of your digital footprint. All these elements help us use technology in a positive and responsible way.

Role of Schools in Digital Citizenship

Schools play a big role in teaching digital citizenship. They help students understand how to use technology responsibly. Schools also teach us about the dangers of the internet and how to avoid them. This helps us become better digital citizens.

In conclusion, digital citizenship is about being responsible and respectful online. It’s an important skill for everyone who uses the internet. By understanding digital citizenship, we can make the digital world a better place for everyone.

250 Words Essay on Digital Citizenship

Understanding digital citizenship.

Digital Citizenship is about how we behave online. It’s like being a good citizen in the real world, but in the digital world. We need to know how to use the internet and digital tools safely, respectfully, and responsibly.

Importance of Digital Citizenship

The digital world is a big part of our lives. We use it to learn, play, and talk with friends. But just like in the real world, there are rules we need to follow. Being a good digital citizen means following these rules. This will keep us safe and help us use the internet in a good way.

Aspects of Digital Citizenship

There are many parts to being a good digital citizen. One part is online safety. This means keeping personal information private and not sharing passwords. Another part is being respectful online. This means not bullying or hurting others with words or actions. A third part is using the internet responsibly. This means not stealing or copying other people’s work.

Schools play a big role in teaching digital citizenship. They can teach us about online safety, respect, and responsibility. They can also help us learn how to use digital tools in a good way. This will prepare us for a world where the internet is a big part of work and life.

Being a good digital citizen is important. It helps us stay safe, respect others, and use the internet in a good way. Schools can help us learn about digital citizenship. This will prepare us for a world that is more and more digital.

500 Words Essay on Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship is all about using the internet and digital devices in a responsible and respectful way. It’s like being a good citizen in the real world, but online! It includes understanding how to stay safe online, respecting others’ rights and privacy, and using digital tools in a positive way.

In today’s world, we spend a lot of time online. We use the internet for school, to talk to friends, and even to play games. But just like in the real world, there are rules we need to follow. These rules help to keep us safe and make sure we are being kind to others. That’s why understanding digital citizenship is so important.

Staying Safe Online

One of the key parts of digital citizenship is knowing how to stay safe online. This means not sharing personal information like your address or phone number with people you don’t know. It also means being careful about clicking on links or downloading things from the internet. These could be tricks to get your information or harm your computer.

Respecting Others

Just like in the real world, it’s important to respect others online. This means not saying mean things or sharing someone else’s information without their permission. It also means understanding that not everything you read online is true. So, before you share something, make sure it’s accurate.

Positive Use of Digital Tools

Digital citizenship also includes using digital tools in a positive way. This could mean using the internet to learn new things or to help others. It could also mean creating things like art or music using digital tools. The key is to use these tools to make the world a better place, not to harm others or break the rules.

In conclusion, digital citizenship is a very important part of our lives. It helps us to stay safe online, respect others, and use digital tools in a positive way. By understanding and following the rules of digital citizenship, we can make the internet a better place for everyone.

Remember, being a good digital citizen is like being a good citizen in the real world. It’s all about respecting others, staying safe, and using tools in a positive way. So, the next time you go online, think about how you can be a good digital citizen!

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Digital Citizenship Is About a Whole Lot More Than Online Etiquette

Over the years, I’ve fallen in and out of love with the idea of “digital citizenship.” For me, the term still evokes the promise of empowered, online civic action. But so often, in practice, what’s implemented in our schools as “digital-citizenship education” is watered down to a list of dos and don’ts for young people that is hyperfocused on etiquette, warnings about “stranger danger,” and the need to be kind online.

This certainly proved true this spring, in the transition to emergency remote education. I started seeing infographics describing how students might demonstrate digital citizenship in Zoom class meetings. Tips included turning their cameras on, making eye contact, and not eating during the meeting.

I, like so many educators and other professionals, practically lived on video-conferencing platforms this spring. And I didn’t follow those rules. I don’t always keep my camera on (hello, schoolwide faculty meetings!) and I certainly do sometimes have a bite to eat during a meeting, especially on those back-to-back-to-back Zoom days. But I still contributed meaningfully to those spaces.

If those dos and don’ts don’t even accurately describe “professional online etiquette,” why are we holding them up as a model for students to emulate as if that’s what good digital citizenship looks like?

This is just one example of a larger pattern: Digital-citizenship conversations tend to focus almost exclusively on establishing appropriate user behavior. The problem is that this framing papers over the actual challenges of participating in online spaces. In 2020—amid the ongoing debate over content-moderation policies, distrust of expertise, conspiracy theorizing, growing attention on algorithmic bias, and radicalization by digitally savvy far-right communities—our problems online aren’t just the result of users not being polite enough to each other.

We need to move beyond a moralizing digital-citizenship education and toward an ecologically-minded one."

In fact, many examples from the last several months have demonstrated the true complexities of participating online as digital citizens. An early spate of Zoombombing (in some instances, horrifically offensive and potentially traumatic) focused our attention on technical security failures and the need for informed user controls. Students of color have exposed their experiences of racism at private high schools via anonymous social-media sharing, spurring difficult conversations on campuses. Facebook and YouTube claim they’re taking swift action against false information about COVID-19, but networked misinformation campaigns have successfully sidestepped these policies to spread harmful medical advice and sow the seeds of distrust of a future vaccine.

Young Black creators who are turning to TikTok to share content in support of Black Lives Matter not only suspected the platform of suppressing their activist content but also faced racist feedback from other users. (The future of TikTok for American teenagers has grown even more complicated in recent weeks, as President Donald Trump ordered a ban on the app beginning in September—if the inevitable legal challenges from the company fail.)

We’ve seen online organizing co-opted, in one instance by gun-advocacy and -lobbying groups to appear like a grassroots “reopen the economy” movement. In another instance, K-pop fans and TikTok users took credit for the low attendance at Trump’s Tulsa rally in June, after reportedly coordinating to reserve thousands of tickets under fake names. And amid all of this, sudden remote learning has highlighted inequalities in home internet access .

The dominant messages of digital-citizenship education repeated year after year—be kind, THINK before you post, beware of strangers, and, now, don’t eat on camera—do not prepare students to grapple with the type of participation that these examples illustrate. In fact, they miss the point entirely.

How, then, might we redefine digital-citizenship education to meet this moment?

The key might be in where we put our emphasis. In her book Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap , sociologist Carrie James draws a distinction between moral and ethical thinking: While moral thinking considers those close to us, ethical thinking demands “the capacity to look beyond one’s own interests, feelings, and empathy for close relations in order to make decisions that are in the interests of a larger group, public, or society.”

The dilemmas users encounter online require this more abstract ethical thinking, yet popular digital-citizenship messaging focuses almost entirely on moral thinking.

The problem is that doing so trains students’ digital senses to only notice the intentional, immediate, or known impact of their choices. In reality, we may never know the impact of our actions online; we may never see where our content travels or understand how that meme we shared has been weaponized by others to target communities we aren’t a part of.

Ecological metaphors may better describe the digital landscape. “Our network connections are as dense and robust as redwood root systems,” writes communications professor Whitney Phillips . “So, in addition to everyday best practices, we must also critically reflect on why the forest looks the way it does, how it was allowed—indeed, how it was encouraged —to become so polluted, and when these particular trails were blazed, by whom, and at whose expense.”

To meet the needs of 2020, we need to move beyond a moralizing digital-citizenship education and toward an ecologically-minded one, one that not only asks students to deeply consider the many and varied implications of their own actions but also how the digital tools and platforms we use create an environment that encourages or discourages truly ethical and equitable participation. In other words, digital citizens must learn to not only be concerned with their own individual actions but also in how these actions fit together and interact within the larger ecosystem. Which means they also need to understand how that ecosystem works .

Of course, that is a more complicated conversation to have. But without this understanding of digital citizenship education, we are not preparing young people to navigate our increasingly digitally-mediated world.

The first step is simple: Let’s stop calling conversations about etiquette and appropriate behavior “digital citizenship,” because it’s not.

True digital citizenship must be developmentally scaffolded and dynamic because the environment online is ever-changing. It will also necessitate an interdisciplinary approach, as we help students participate in an information-abundant, data-rich, historically situated, creative, and emotionally challenging digital ecosystem.

It isn’t good enough to be simply well-intentioned within systems built on injustice and inequity. The same is true of our participation online. We can develop a digital-citizenship education that helps us face the limitations of good intentions and asks students to co-create a more ethical and just digital world.

A version of this article appeared in the September 02, 2020 edition of Education Week as We’re Teaching Digital Citizenship All Wrong

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What is Digital Citizenship? A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Do you know how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly? In today’s interconnected world, being a good digital citizen is more important than ever. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the concept of digital citizenship, its significance, and how it impacts our daily lives. Whether you’re an individual curious about the online realm or a concerned parent seeking to understand your child’s digital experiences, this guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to become a responsible digital citizen.

Background and Significance

1. digital rights and responsibilities, 2. digital literacy, 3. digital etiquette and safety, 1. encourage open communication, 2. promote digital well-being, 3. educate and empower, 1. cyberbullying and online harassment, 2. protecting personal privacy, 3. digital footprint and reputation management, summary and conclusion.

Digital citizenship encompasses the rights, responsibilities, and behaviors of individuals in the digital world. With over half of the world’s population having internet access, understanding and embracing digital citizenship have become essential. It promotes online safety, protects personal privacy, and fosters a positive digital community. Let’s explore why digital citizenship is significant and how it relates to our daily experiences.

The Three Pillars of Digital Citizenship

Understanding and respecting the rights and responsibilities that come with using digital platforms is fundamental to digital citizenship. It includes freedom of speech, privacy protection, and respecting intellectual property rights. By promoting digital rights and responsibilities, we can create a balanced and ethical online space.

In a world where information is readily available, digital literacy is crucial. It involves the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. By developing digital literacy skills, individuals can critically analyze online content, detect misinformation, and make informed decisions.

Just as we follow social norms in the physical world, digital etiquette guides our behavior in the digital realm. It includes treating others with respect, practicing online security measures, and understanding the potential risks and challenges of the online world. By adopting good digital etiquette and practicing online safety, we can contribute to a more positive and secure digital community.

Nurturing Positive Digital Citizenship

Fostering open and honest communication is essential for cultivating positive digital citizenship. Parents, educators, and community leaders should engage in conversations about responsible online behavior, digital rights, and the potential risks associated with the digital world. By having these discussions, we can equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the online landscape responsibly.

With the increasing use of digital devices, it is crucial to prioritize digital well-being. Encourage individuals to strike a balance between their online and offline lives, practice healthy online habits, and prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Setting boundaries, managing screen time, and cultivating meaningful offline connections are essential components of digital well-being.

Education plays a vital role in fostering digital citizenship. By providing individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can empower them to make responsible choices online. Educational institutions and community organizations can integrate digital literacy programs into their curricula, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Digital Pitfalls

Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue in the digital world, affecting individuals of all ages. By promoting empathy, educating about the impact of cyberbullying, and encouraging individuals to report instances of harassment, we can work towards creating a safer online environment.

In an era of data breaches and online threats, safeguarding personal privacy is paramount. Individuals should understand the importance of using strong, unique passwords, being cautious with personal information, and regularly updating privacy settings on digital platforms.

The internet never forgets, and our digital footprints are a reflection of our online activities. By cultivating a positive digital footprint, individuals can enhance their online reputation and protect their future opportunities. Being mindful of what we post, engaging in respectful online discussions, and considering the potential long-term consequences of our digital actions are essential.

In this beginner’s guide to digital citizenship, we have explored the significance of this concept and its three pillars: digital rights and responsibilities, digital literacy, and digital etiquette and safety. By nurturing positive digital citizenship, we can collectively shape a more inclusive, respectful, and secure digital world.

As you embark on your journey as a digital citizen, remember that each action you take online has the potential to create a ripple effect. Embrace the power of responsible digital behavior, be a positive influence, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can cultivate a digital ecosystem that reflects the best of humanity.

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A Good Digital Citizen
Privacy & Safety

Are You a Good Digital Citizen?

A good digital citizen protects their personal information, uses good judgment and treats others with respect. Whether you’re posting on social media, sending an email or commenting on an online discussion, practicing good digital citizenship makes our online world a more welcoming place for everyone.

Examine Your Digital Footprint

Have you ever Googled yourself? You might be surprised by the search results. Your digital footprint is the record left by everything you’ve done online — social media activity, info on a personal or work website, browsing history, online subscriptions and any photo galleries and videos you’ve uploaded — essentially, anything online with your name on it that can be found and tracked by others.

What does that mean exactly? You should probably think twice before doing or posting anything online that you do not want the entire world to know about you.

Roughly 75 % of the U.S. public uses more than one social media platform

Protect Your Privacy

Don’t overshare online. Assume everything you post can be seen and shared by others. Learn more in Privacy & Safety .

Respect Others

Treat others the way you’d want to be treated online. Also, respect their personal information and privacy. Get permission to download or share other people’s information, photos or work. Avoid spreading misinformation. Check the facts before posting.

23 % of adults said they had shared fabricated political stories

Using the Rapid Principle

R espectful.

Treat every moment like a job interview or networking opportunity. Eighty percent of employers “Google” candidates and 35 percent of them don’t make offers because of what they find. Be professional and respectful.

Each task is a chance to show pride and who/what you represent. Your digital footprint is also your brand, personally and professionally. Your content reflects upon you and your family.

The Internet may be the longest relationship you ever have. The Library of Congress began archiving all tweets in 2010. Only post what you are willing to commit to forever.

I NTELLIGENT

Social media puts the world at your fingertips; leverage that power. Listen. Learn. Engage.

D ISTINCTIVE

Be platform specific. Curate what you share specifically to your network and audience.

Be Internet Awesome . A program that includes a fun and free web-based game called Interland and an educational curriculum to teach kids how to be safe and responsible explorers of the online world.

Connect Safely . A variety of resources for learning good online behavior and managing your digital footprint.

EdTechReview. Interesting Facts on Digital Footprint and Reputation

Family Online Safety Institute . An organization dedicated to making the online world safer for kids and families.

Internet Citizen from Mozilla. Resources to help everyone be a better digital citizen.

Medium: Know Your Social Media Rights

Social Media Tips for a Positive Impression. For parents and families – You can share these tips with your student to help them put their best foot forward on social media.

_________________________________________________________________________

Mining Social Media for Community Health . New Research from the Health Informatics Program at the School of Public Health.

X (Twitter)

Sep 11, 2023

Becoming a Good Digital Citizen: Navigating the Online World Ethically

Updated: Mar 20

In today's hyper-connected world, being a good digital citizen is as important as being a good citizen in our physical communities. Just as we uphold certain values and responsibilities in our neighborhoods, we must also do so in the digital realm. This blog post explores what it means to be a good digital citizen and an ethical internet user and social media user.

Defining Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship refers to the responsible and ethical use of technology, particularly the Internet and social media platforms . It encompasses a set of principles and practices that guide our behavior online, ensuring that our digital actions align with the values of respect, responsibility, and empathy.

Key Principles of Digital Citizenship

1. respect for others.

Respecting others in the digital world is paramount. This includes refraining from cyberbullying, hate speech, or any form of online harassment. Always remember that there are real people with feelings on the other side of the screen. Treat them with the same courtesy and respect you would in person.

2. Privacy Awareness

Being a good digital citizen means safeguarding your own privacy and respecting the privacy of others. Don't share personal information recklessly and be cautious about what you post online. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings on social media platforms and use them to control who can see your content.

3. Ethical Thinking

In the era of fake news and misinformation, ethical thinking is a vital component of digital citizenship. Verify the accuracy of information before sharing it. Be aware of biases in online content and consider multiple perspectives. Don't contribute to the spread of false or misleading information.

4. Online Etiquette

Just as there are social norms in face-to-face interactions, there are online etiquettes to follow. Use proper language and tone in your communications. Avoid spamming, excessive self-promotion, or overposting. Participate in online discussions respectfully, even if you disagree with others.

5. Cybersecurity

Protecting yourself and others from cyber threats is part of being a responsible digital citizen. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your devices and software up to date. Be cautious of phishing attempts and report suspicious activities.

Benefits of Being a Good Digital Citizen

Embracing the principles of digital citizenship offers numerous benefits:

Safer Online Environment: When individuals practice responsible online behavior, it creates a safer and more pleasant digital environment for everyone.

Positive Reputation: Ethical use of the internet and social media can enhance your online reputation and build trust with peers, colleagues, and potential employers.

Empowerment: Digital citizens have the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world effectively, which can lead to personal and professional empowerment.

Stronger Communities: Responsible digital citizenship fosters stronger, more supportive online communities where individuals can learn, share, and collaborate effectively.

Being a good digital citizen and an ethical user of the internet and social media is not just about following rules; it's about embracing a mindset of respect, responsibility, and empathy. By practicing these principles, we can collectively create a more positive and productive digital world for ourselves and future generations. It's a responsibility we all share, and it's one worth taking seriously.

digital citizenship

Youth and Digital Citizenship+ (Plus)

Understanding Skills for a Digital World

Alexa Hasse

Andres Lombana-Bermudez

Sandra Cortesi

Have you ever wondered what types of skills young people should learn to meaningfully engage academically, socially, ethically, politically, and economically online? How can schools, educators, and parents and caregivers embrace the opportunities to support young people in becoming digital citizens?

Understanding the skills youth need for a digital world has become a topic of growing importance among decision-makers around the globe, with different stakeholders and communities rethinking what meaningful learning environments, modes of engagement, and educational content should entail.

Illustration of a young person reading the digital citizenship report

Youth and Digital Citizenship+ (Plus): Understanding Skills for a Digital World — by Sandra Cortesi, Alexa Hasse, Andres Lombana-Bermudez, Sonia Kim, and Urs Gasser — maps the current discourse around youth (ages 12-18) and digital citizenship. The report focuses on several key questions:

Why has the concept of digital citizenship become central in discussions about youth, education, and learning in the 21st century?
How is the concept of digital citizenship similar to or different from other concepts, such as digital literacy, media literacy, new media literacies, 21st century skills, or digital competence?
Based on a mapping of 35 frameworks, what does the current digital citizenship landscape address, and to what extent are youth’s voices included in the development, implementation, and evaluation of digital citizenship initiatives?
What are key considerations for learning spaces and meaningful youth engagement?
How can we address underexplored areas, such as artificial intelligence and data?

The report accompanies the Youth and Media team’s educational platform , which offers 100+ educational tools that can be implemented in formal or informal learning spaces.

Youth and Digital Citizenship+ (Plus): Understanding Skills for a Digital World is one of the Youth and Media team’s “spotlights” — briefing documents that showcase the ways youth engage with the digital landscape, and what opportunities and challenges emerge from it. Additional recent spotlights include “ Youth and Artificial Intelligence: Where We Stand ” and “ Youth and Cyberbullying: Another Look .”

publication Youth and Cyberbullying
publication Youth and Artificial Intelligence
publication Youth and Digital Citizenship+ (Plus)
publication Youth Participation in a Digital World

Projects & Tools 01

Youth and Media

Youth and Media (YaM) encompasses an array of research, advocacy, and development initiatives around youth (age 12-18) and digital technology.

Become a Member
Artificial Intelligence
Computational Thinking
Digital Citizenship
Edtech Selection
Global Collaborations
STEAM in Education
Teacher Preparation
ISTE Certification
School Partners
Career Development
ISTELive 24
Solutions Summit
Leadership Exchange
2024 ASCD Leadership Summit
2025 ASCD Annual Conference
Edtech Product Database
Solutions Network
Sponsorship & Advertising
Sponsorship & Advertising
Learning Library

The 5 Competencies of Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy

The digital world is evolving rapidly and so must the way we educate students about navigating it. For over a decade now, digital citizenship has been mainly about the don'ts: Don't share your passwords, don't steal the intellectual property of others, don't post or share inappropriate content on social media.

But it's time to rethink that approach, says ISTE CEO Richard Culatta.

"Far too often, digital citizenship is taught in a negative way — here’s the list of all the stuff you should not do online. And while I appreciate the intent behind anti-cyberbullying campaigns, we don’t teach other things as “anti-” in schools. I mean, we don’t have anti-illiteracy campaigns — we teach kids to love to read. Digital Citizenship shouldn’t be a list of don’ts, but a list of do's."

The other way we need to evolve our thinking, Culatta says, is by recognizing that the skills required to thrive as a digital citizen go beyond just online safety. They include recognizing fact from fiction online, using technology to engage in civic action and being respectful of people with differing viewpoints from our own.

"These are skills that students aren’t learning from watching the adults around them either.," Culatta says. "And so we must challenge ourselves to do better."

That's why ISTE has partnered with some like-minded organizations to redefine digital citizenship. This coalition has launched an international DigCitCommit campaign to get students, educators and their communities familiar with the five competencies of digital citizenship.

Watch the video below and then commit to the five competencies of digital citizenship.

The five competencies of digital citizenship

I am open to hearing and respectfully recognizing multiple viewpoints, and I engage with others online with respect and empathy.

I evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of digital media and social posts.

I use technology and digital channels for civic engagement, to solve problems and be a force for good in both physical and virtual communities.

I make informed decisions about how to prioritize my time and activities online and off.

I am aware of my online actions, and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.

artificial intelligence

Canadian School Libraries Journal

A publication of canadian school libraries: issn 2560-7227, the experience of being a digital citizen and the stories that connect us.

March 3, 2021 Web Editor Teaching & Learning , Vol. 5 No. 1, Winter 2021 0

By Leigh Cassell

The Power of Technology to Connect

Technology is intertwined with almost every part of our lives, shaping the way we connect, socialize, work, play, and learn. Technology has transformed the ways we interact with each other, and the world.

In the midst of a global pandemic education systems around the world are rethinking what it means to educate students in the age of digital networks. With access to global education systems and resources like Digital Human Library at our fingertips, progressive teachers are adopting a networked learning perspective and digital experiential approach to teaching and learning. In other words, teachers are leveraging digital technologies to broaden the K-12 student experience in ways that connect them with new people, places, and ideas from around the world.

But educating students in online spaces is not just about providing them with access to digital technologies. Ensuring that we equip students with the critical digital literacy skills and global competencies (transferable skills) they need to navigate and flourish in online spaces is essential for their growth and social development. Teaching students digital citizenship is more important now, than it has ever been.

Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool, it is a way to prepare students for a society full of technology. Dr. Mike Ribble

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is about how we should act, and interact with others when we are online. It’s about teaching users of technology what they need to know in ways that prepare them to be contributing citizens today, and in the future.

Digital citizenship includes, and expands on the definition of citizenship — the quality or character of an individual viewed as a member of society — keeping in mind who we are as members of a larger, more global community. More specifically, digital citizenship can be defined as the “norms of appropriate, responsible behaviour with regard to technology use” (Ribble, 2017).

As we consider what citizenship looks like in a digital world, how we act as members of a network of people locally and globally requires an awareness of the ways technology impacts our participation in these networks. It demands that we consider norms of responsible behaviour, our new rights and responsibilities online, and our quality of habits and actions within these communities. We must also learn to balance the advantages and potential risks with our safety and security in online spaces, including how to navigate and respond to inappropriate content and cyberbullying, as well as ethical issues like copyright and plagiarism.

Although there are many variations of the definition, at the core of digital citizenship is the idea that “we are all citizens who belong to a community, and therefore, the contributions we make to this community should be positive, productive, and reasonable” (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014).

Why Teach Digital Citizenship?

When integrated effectively, technology has the potential to transform learning by immersing students in participatory learning environments that transcend the boundaries of space and time. Digital citizenship requires participation, and schools have a responsibility to provide a safe space for students’ guided participation in online spaces. Just like we would never teach a teenager to drive without ever getting into a car, we cannot teach digital citizenship without allowing students to go online.

Although students today are often competent basic users of technology, most do not have the necessary digital citizenship skills to be safe and responsible online. Educators must make it a priority to teach students the critical digital literacy elements embedded within a digital citizenship framework, including how to navigate their digital world, evaluate and reflect critically on information, respect intellectual property, protect their privacy and the privacy of others, and build a positive reputation and digital footprint. We need to shift our thinking about digital citizenship as a lesson a week and create a school culture and mindset of understanding around the human, cultural, and societal implications related to technology use.

A “one-life” (Couros, 2015) approach to technology integration is a key factor that contributes to a positive digital citizenship culture of innovation, risk-taking, and continuous learning, while also building bridges between home and school. The successful integration of digital citizenship instruction begins with our knowledge of effective pedagogies and a commitment to creating positive, inclusive digital learning environments. The relationships we have with our students, paired with our understanding of the digital technologies students are using at home should then inform how we are integrating digital into our classroom programs. If we want to engage students as digital citizens in the classroom, we need to build a bridge between the digital citizenship experiences they are having at home “in real life”, with the curriculum-based experiences they are having at school. Doing so ensures that students are actively engaged to “develop the knowledge, skills and characteristics that will lead them to become personally successful, economically productive and actively engaged citizens” (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2013).

In today’s world, teaching digital citizenship is not optional. Digital citizenship instruction must be entrenched in daily conversations with students as they are immersed in digital learning environments, experiencing appropriate ways to act, interact, learn and create with others. The experience of being a digital citizen is fundamental in providing students with the knowledge, skills, strategies and global competencies they need to be successful today, and in the future.

Digital citizenship needs to be embraced by educators as a way of thinking – and incorporated, whenever possible, into any type of existing curriculum. Melissa Davis

Using Children’s Books to Start Conversations about Digital Citizenship

While the experience of being a digital citizen is fundamental to learning digital citizenship, where do teachers start? The use of children’s books to introduce elements of digital citizenship is a powerful way to begin conversations with students. Children’s books as digital citizenship mentor texts introduce students to new concepts and ideas, bridge connections between technology use at home and at school, and bring positive attention to digital technology as a powerful tool for making new connections and building relationships.

Aubrey Bright in Stories that Connect Us

As global education systems move to blended and full remote learning, it’s timely to introduce a new children’s book written to start conversations about digital citizenship and the important role that technology plays in our lives.

Aubrey Bright in Stories that Connect Us is a heart-warming tale of inter-generational connection, and the first book in a new series focusing on how relationships are strengthened through storytelling and the power technology has to connect us.

Aubrey, a young precocious girl, has a strong relationship with her Gramma which is anchored in a love of storytelling. When her Gramma gets sick, Aubrey shows her that technology can be a powerful tool for a new kind of storytelling and connection.

How to Use this Book

This book is intended to help readers start conversations about digital citizenship in ways that lead to their own digital citizenship experiences. With elements of digital citizenship woven throughout the story, readers are encouraged to use the Conversation Starters and revisit various moments in the book to start their own conversations about the stories that connect them, and the important role technology plays in their lives. Just as Aubrey uses digital technology to document, create, connect, and share life’s beautiful moments, readers can use technology to document and reflect on their learning, create and share their own unique digital stories, and connect with others for the purpose of learning and building new relationships.

What’s more, the book features the artwork of a talented student whose beautiful illustrations inspired the character, and whose voice helped craft the narrative. The book also includes a unique non-fiction page All About Sand Dollars written by my daughter that inspired our own digital citizenship conversations at home. This book will no doubt also inspire readers to start their own conversations about making their dreams happen.

Casa-Todd, Jennifer and Leigh Cassell (2020). Aubrey Bright in Stories that Connect Us . Alexandria VA: Edumatch Publishing.

Couros, A. & Hildebrandt, K. (2015). Digital Citizenship Education in Saskatchewan Schools: A Policy Planning Guide for School Divisions and Schools to Implement Digital Citizenship Education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Government of Saskatchewan.

Ribble, M. (2017). Nine Elements. Digital Citizenship: Using Technology Appropriately (blog). Accessed at https://www.digitalcitizenship.net/nine-elements.html

Ontario Ministry of Education (2014). 21st Century Teaching and Learning: Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy: What Research Tells Us. Edugains . Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Accessed at http://www.edugains.ca/resources21CL/WhatsNew/WhatResearchTellsUs-DigitalCitizenship.pdf

Ontario Ministry of Education (2013). The Ontario Curriculum: Social Studies Grades 1 to 6, History and Geography Grades 7 and 8 . Toronto: Queens Printer for Ontario. Accessed at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/sshg18curr2013.pdf

Leigh Cassell is an educator, adventurer, entrepreneur and partner in learning with teachers, students, businesses and NGOs around the world. Leigh is an Education and Innovation Consultant , and Founder and CCO at Digital Human Library . Leigh is a dynamic influencer and reflective practitioner, highly skilled in building networked learning communities in ways that facilitate relationships for learning, cultivate emotional intelligence and nurture leadership in education. Leigh has received the highest level of awards from the Ontario Public School Board Association and the Ontario Teachers Federation, and she has been recognized internationally by Apple, Microsoft and Google for her innovation in education.

digital citizenship

An online community for new Manitobans

What you should know about digital citizenship

Posted July 8, 2015

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Have you ever come across the term digital citizenship? In our highly connected world, you may have read or heard it mentioned several times while surfing the net or reading and listening to the news. Mike Ribble, considered a leading expert on the topic, defines it as “the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use”.

“Digital Citizenship consists of “the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.”

So why do you need to know about it? Here are some compelling reasons:

It affects your everyday life

It’s undeniable that digital technology permeates our daily lives. You use it in your profession, in everyday transactions, for socializing, for getting basic services. Your children are increasingly online too, for entertainment, socialization and education. And just like being a citizen of a country, knowing how to be a good one will help you participate more fully and become more productive, build and maintain good relationships, and establish a successful, orderly and peaceful life.

The mechanics of digital citizenship help you understand why it is not safe to email your Social Insurance Number or UCI number. It tells you that posting rants on Facebook or Twitter is probably not a good idea (hello prospective employers!). It gives you guideposts on the proper ways of communicating with your peers, your boss, or the general public. By harnessing the power of good digital citizenship, you can even help change the lives of others. This video from Cyberwise talks about digital citizenship in more detail:

It’s not only about etiquette

According to Digital Citizenship.net , it covers nine themes:

Digital Access – revolves around issues concerning full electronic participation in society. It is all about supporting and helping others have the same access to digital technology.
Digital Commerce – concerned with the electronic buying and selling of goods. This also discusses issues involved in buying and selling online.
Digital Communication – electronic exchange of information and the choices we make when faced with numerous digital communication options.
Digital Literacy – the process of learning and teaching about technology and the use of technology.
Digital Etiquette – electronic standards of procedure for appropriate and responsible conduct online.
Digital Law – deals with the ethics of technology within a society and the rules that apply to anyone who plays or works online.
Digital Rights and Responsibility – concerned with the basic set of rights afforded to every digital citizen and the responsibilities that come with these.
Digital Health and Wellness – concerned about the issues and ways by which the physical and psychological well-being of digital citizens are maintained.
Digital Security (self-protection) – these are electronic precautions to guarantee safety and protection.

These nine themes encompass what digital citizenship is all about. They explore the risks and benefits, as well as the various issues that come with fully participating as a digital citizen.

It helps you maximize the benefits of the global community

The more you know about digital citizenship, the more you can reap the benefits of today’s technology. Learning the best practices will help you maximize its efficiency, wide reach, and variety and breadth of information that can empower you. Article updated September 3, 2021.

Learn more about digital citizenship from videos at Common Sense.org/education

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1 . Question

According to the article, digital ________ is large part of our daily life.

(a) citizenship
(b) socialization
(c) technology

2 . Question

Digital ________ can help us navigate the rules and create awareness of the risks and benefits of the online world.

(a) technology
(b) citizenship
(c) transactions

3 . Question

Ming likes to shop online and makes online ________ every 2 weeks.

(a) socialization
(b) transactions
(c) commerce

4 . Question

He also likes the ________ aspect of social media and being able to communicate with people around the world.

(a) efficiency
(c) socialization

5 . Question

He prefers the ________ and speed of online banking over traditional banking.

(b) variety
(c) transaction

6 . Question

He likes the ________ of movies and shows that can be found online.

(b) communication
(c) variety

7 . Question

One thing that concerns him is having enough ________ protection on his computer as he makes frequent transactions online.

(a) security

8 . Question

He enjoys the commercial and ________aspects of the online world but he also feels strongly about protecting his financial and personal information.

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How to be a responsible digital citizen

Respecting others is a good start, as is taking care of your privacy online

NCSAM was launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance & the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in October 2004 to make sure that our online lives - at work and at home - are kept safe and secure. That's what National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) – observed in October – is all about!

The internet has transformed our lives since its inception, connecting users and enabling a virtual online worldwide community for all, as we explore common interests, share knowledge and have meaningful discussions.

Part of the process of a child growing up is to learn to become a responsible citizen, able to obey laws, protect their privacy, and respect the rights of others. And in the same way, when your child becomes a digital citizen and explores the online community we call the worldwide web, they must also learn certain rules, behaviors and good practice.

Here are some key points to bear in mind as you guide your child to become a responsible digital citizen.

Respect for others and yourself

Being a good digital citizen starts with having respect for the others using the web. Unfortunately, the perceived anonymity of the internet can lead some folks to make the sort of comments online that they would never say to anyone face-to-face.

This has got so bad in recent years that many websites have simply eliminated any facility to make comments, as the ‘flame wars’ and spam are so pervasive that it can be difficult or indeed near impossible to have any meaningful dialogue about the actual site’s content.

While this is unfortunate, it is unlikely to change anytime soon. A responsible digital citizen should be aware of this, and not participate in flame wars, as it just fosters more disagreement, rather than changing anyone’s opinion.

When they do have an opinion to express, they should look for a moderated forum, which requires users to have established accounts, and where there’s oversight with consequences – such as being banned from the forum (either temporarily or permanently). Also, feel free to report the ‘forum trolls’ to the mods, and then move on to a friendlier place if the situation warrants.

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Digital is forever

Many users put a substantial portion of their lives online. This includes forum posts, websites, and also social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Often images are posted in online photo sharing sites including the popular Google Photos that backs up images from smartphones instantly, Flickr, and also video content on YouTube and other similar platforms.

These sites can be useful for sharing content with family and friends – after all, less and less pictures are being printed to hand around these days. However, the downside is that once this content is uploaded, it’s there forever and cannot be taken down.

While it is unlikely to be damaging to have some images of your latest family gathering or vacation online, you must seriously think about what gets posted. Realize that in a Kaplan Test Prep poll, over two-thirds of college admissions offices thought it was fair game to look at an applicant’s social media feeds, and this was used last year to revoke acceptances to 10 applicants to Harvard .

Beyond college admissions, employers also use social media , with 70% using it to screen applicants during hiring, and 43% using it to check on existing employees.

Privacy protection

While sharing content online can be enjoyable, users also need to be aware of their own privacy. Children should be taught to use strong passwords, which should be at least 12 characters in length, with a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, arranged in random combinations, and not dictionary words.

Thankfully, this can be easily accomplished by using a password manager . Going beyond the password, two factor authentication (2FA) is considered more secure, and should be enabled on all accounts that offer the facility.

Privacy also applies to more than passwords. A good digital citizen should be wary of sites that ask for too much information, such as addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, salaries, credit card info, and social security numbers.

While these sort of details may be required to file a tax return with the government, they aren’t necessary for a free email account or online forum. Also be suspicious of downloading and applying software from dubious sources other than directly from the manufacturer’s site.

Obey the law

Those who look to get into trouble on the internet can certainly find it, whether on the dark web , or via the latest illegal file downloading site. Just as in life, there is plenty of opportunity to do the wrong thing.

Digital citizens need to be taught to obey the law in everything they do online. While doing the right thing has its own virtue, also realize that there are digital fingerprints of the user everywhere they have traveled online, and that no one is truly 100% anonymous and untraceable.

Be skeptical

The web is bristling with content, and has the power to be informative on just about any topic. However, far from every source on the web is trustworthy. Look around for a bit, and you can find those who think the Earth is flat , Elvis is alive , and that the moon is made of green cheese , alongside plenty of other total nonsense.

New users need to be taught that every conspiracy theorist has a website, and therefore a platform to peddle their claptrap, and too often others flock to this rubbish like moths to a light bulb. Heck, there is even a tradition of posting all sorts of kooky content for April Fool’s Day, that while entertaining, can be confusing for the unaware.

It’s important for a novice web surfer to realize that low quality content is frequently encountered online. While it can be fun to see some of the stories we linked to above, any web-based theory – even more plausible sounding ones – should be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, and we should always be knowledgeable about the source of the information.

Equally, care needs to be taken when meeting other people on the net. Obviously, no child should go off with a stranger at the mall or park, for example, and the same applies to folks that we encounter online. Unfortunately, that is too often not the case, and kidnapping facilitated through social media remains a serious and real problem that children need to be protected from.

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Digital Citizenship & Ethics

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Digital citizenship is about thinking critically, behaving safely, and participating responsibly and ethically in the digital world.

Introduction

Digital technology has revolutionized how we live, work, learn and interact with others. This applies to children and teens as well. Today’s students have grown up with digital technologies. They cannot remember life without them. Because of this, educators often feel that students are fully competent in this area.

Often, this is not the case. Even when students are comfortable and skilled with technology, the ways they use it may not be appropriate. They may use technology in unethical ways, like finding ways to cheat on an assignment. They may use it in socially detrimental ways, like bullying others on social media.

There are expectations of all citizens in a society to behave in certain ways. To report criminal activity, to help others, or to behave appropriately, for example. There are also expectations for everyone who participates, learns and works in the digital landscape. These expectations form the basis of what it means to be a “digital citizen”.

Digital citizenship is the appropriate and responsible use of the internet, computers and digital devices. Teaching digital citizenship is more than just having students follow rules, policies and procedures. Teaching digital citizenship helps to ensure that students think critically, behave safely, participate responsibly, and maintain their health and wellness in the digital world.

Mike Ribble, co-author of Digital Citizenship Handbook for School Leaders: Fostering Positive Interactions Online , outlines nine main elements of digital citizenship. These are grouped into three categories.

The nine elements of digital citizenship

Respect for self and others

The legal element of digital citizenship is knowledge of the rights and restrictions that apply when using digital devices. Students should understand that online tools open people up to theft of personal and financial information, harassment and bullying. Students should also understand the expectations placed on them under Canadian copyright law . These include issues such as the proper use of images, proper citation methods, plagiarism and respecting the intellectual property of others.

Not everyone has the same opportunities to use digital technologies. Digital citizens work to ensure access for everyone, regardless of their abilities, socio-economic status or location.

For students, this could mean donating their old smartphone or laptop to a charity instead of selling it or recycling it. It could also mean advocating for the establishment of “hot spots” or mobile wifi units in areas where there is need.

Digital Etiquette

Digital Etiquette, or “netiquette,” is an expectation of conduct for oneself and other digital technology users. Students learn how their use of technology affects other people. They also develop a sense of responsibility for their actions. Treat people online the way you would treat them in real life, and the way you would want to be treated. One way students can learn digital etiquette is by following the rules and expectations of websites they visit.

For students, this could mean thinking about how what they write, post or share could be interpreted. And how this could affect other people. It is important for students to realize that written messages may not convey the true intention of the author. Something that is intended as humour or sarcasm could be understood differently. This is because we cannot communicate feelings the same way online, as we do in real life.

Educating self and others

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy encompasses reading, writing, and critical thinking as well as the use of digital technologies. Students should learn to select the best digital tool for the job, and to use that tool efficiently. Students should also learn to evaluate the accuracy, perspective and validity of online resources and social media content. Digital literacy includes both cognitive and technical skills.

For students, this could mean determining if an online resource is credible, or creating and uploading a video.

Communication

It is important to be able to use the right digital technology at the right time for the exchange of information. Students should learn when to use various forms of communication, such as text or social media. They should also learn to organize their thoughts so they can be understood by others.

Digital citizens recognize that in a digital environment, the best format and tool depends on what they want to communicate, for what purpose, and to whom. For example, using abbreviations or textspeak in instant messages or texts to friends is ok in that situation. But the same format may not be appropriate when communicating with potential employers. It is also important for students to consider which tool to use when communicating with a prospective employer or post-secondary institution. Organizations often lag behind the apps youth are using. It’s best for students to check official websites for preferred means of communication.

Digital citizens should also recognize that the information they share through the internet is often very difficult (or impossible) to delete. Employers often do background checks of applicants’ social media to get a better idea of “who they are” as individuals. When communicating with their friends, students should be conscious of this and not share information they would not want to be seen publicly.

Commerce

Digital citizens know that purchasing items online comes with risks. Learning how to use e-commerce sites safely, ensuring these sites are legitimate, and protecting personal and financial information are essential parts of digital citizenship.

Students should be able to recognize and evaluate the risks associated with buying and selling online. They should also know how much of their personal and financial information they should share. Students should also recognize that things are rarely “free” on the internet. Sometimes the price is access to their personal information. Digital commerce is closely related to digital security.

Protecting self and others

Security refers to the precautions people use to maintain their safety, and the safety of others, while using networked devices. In general, threats can come from access to personal or financial information by unauthorized people. It can also come from malicious software and viruses that damage or extract data. Digital citizens realize that when we are connected, we are all responsible for security. This means having software and applications to protect themselves against people who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities.

For students, this can mean understanding the need for strong passwords, and for keeping passwords confidential. Students should also develop other safe practices that help prevent the spread of viruses and other malicious software. These practices include the use of antivirus software. They also include developing safe-use practices like downloading from reputable sites only; not sharing or using bootleg software or music; and avoiding “off the beaten path” websites.

Rights and Responsibilities

Everyone who accesses the digital world has certain rights and privileges. Students should realize that while the online environment provides great opportunities, there are also dangers. When students encounter issues of concern online, they have a responsibility to report these to someone in authority, like a teacher or the police. Some of these issues could include cyberbullying, posting of inappropriate content or fraudulent activity. They also have the responsibility to provide support to other users and to help maintain digital equipment.

For students, this could mean supporting a peer to use a new app that has been introduced into the learning environment. Or protecting school-issued devices from damage or theft. It could also include the need to inform a trusted adult of inappropriate use of school-issued devices by another person. Or if they have concerns about another student’s activity, like sharing personal information with someone they haven’t met in person.

Health and Wellness

This refers to students’ physical and psychological wellbeing as it relates to the use of technology. Students should learn the importance of maintaining a balance between the online world and the real world. This helps ensure the opportunity for quality, in-person time with family and friends.

Students should be aware of the amount of time they spend online. Playing online games and engaging in various chat features can promote positive social interactions. However, sitting or lounging for long periods of time can have negative effects on students’ physical health. In some cases, students can even become addicted to their technology to the point where it affects their sleep patterns and behaviour.

Just as in the real world, online bullying has negative impacts on students' health, wellness and sense of self. Students should be provided with strategies to address incidents of cyberbullying, or to inform a trusted adult if they, or someone they know becomes a victim.

Although social interactions are essential to human well-being, many studies suggest a direct link between an increase in anxiety and depression in children and social networking sites use. Students should thus reflect on how their use of social media can affect their mood and mental health.

In Conclusion

In the real world, the development of citizenship skills and knowledge does not happen on its own. These are taught through both the authorized curriculum and the norms and expectations established in our cultures.

When it comes to digital citizenship, educators and other adults must lead by example. They must make the effort to incorporate digital citizenship into learning plans. Digital citizenship should also be included in extracurricular activities and in non school-related activities.

Because so much of their communication and learning happens online, students must be provided with opportunities to explore their digital world safely. They must also engage in discussions of what it means to be a digital citizen.

Promoting Responsible and Ethical Digital Citizens (2012)

This article from Education World is about promoting responsible and ethical digital citizens.

Digital Citizenship

This page from the British Columbia Ministry of Education includes eight modules that focus on digital citizenship as it pertains to educational settings.

Digital Citizenship in Saskatchewan Schools

This comprehensive document from Saskatchewan Education examines how digital literacy and digital citizenship connect to K-12 curricula.

Digital Citizenship lesson plans

This page from Common Sense Education has free lesson plans on digital citizenship for K-12.

Digital Citizenship.(n.d.) Nine Elements .

Heitin, L. (2016). What Is Digital Literacy? . Education Week.

Ribble, M., (2015). Digital Citizenship in Schools: Nine Elements All Students Should Know. (3rd ed.) Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Ribble, M. (2020). Digital citizenship is more important than ever . ISTE.org.

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5 Responsibilities that Come with Digital Citizenship

The term “digital citizenship” has become the new catch phrase for identifying digital rights and responsibilities.

The focus of digital citizenship is how Internet users should manage online relationships, provide personal protection from online attacks and show accountability for posted online viewpoints and opinions.

Numerous other elements also fall under the umbrella of good digital citizenship. They include the process of combining government regulations, peer pressure, business regulators, moral police and personal codes into a working system of reasonable Internet behavior.

5 Personal Responsibilities of Digital Citizenship

Basic acceptable use policies define technology responsibility for users when on an organization’s property, but what happens when the user, the property and the associated equipment has no connections with an organization, school, agency or other group entity? Does this mean that personal responsibility for reasonable and acceptable Internet behavior becomes null and void?

Everyone has a right to use modern technology in a manner that fits their reasonable best interests. But the keyword is “reasonable.” Every Internet user has a personal accountability for how he or she applies technology to digital relationships, activities and personal goals.

What is at the core of digital citizenship? The following are five of the personal responsibilities that is associated with becoming a productive digital citizen:

1. Cyberbullying

The Internet provides an immense playground for social networking and social interaction. In many cases, proper supervision is nonexistent. Although most social sites do establish specific Terms of Use Agreements designed to prevent cyberbullying, predator activities, identify theft and all of the associated trappings, it is the users who must ultimately take care of policing the communications. You make the voice. You create the content. You are responsible for how you interact with other digital users. And you are responsible for protecting yourself against abusive relationships.

2. Internet safety

At times, the emotional and mental aspects of Internet communications spills over into the physical realm. Barter sites deal with local sales events. Adventure resources sometimes involve physical meetings for group activities. Almost every social site provides an abundance of opportunities for predators of every age and type. Sensibility must guide your digital relationships.

Personal safety should always remain foremost in your mind. Many Digital Citizens believe that Internet safety is all about children, cyber-bullying and sexual predators. But the issue spans a much broader gap. Resources made available by the National Criminal Justice Reference Service document a host of cyber crimes, cyber threats and youth related risks.

Internet communication involves various keyboard shortcuts, but at times the shortcuts hamper reasonable understanding and professional appearance. For example, typing in all caps is frowned upon as “SHOUTING.” As a model digital citizen, you are responsible for learning the Internet lingo and the times and places when that lingo should be applied.

Reporting Offenders

Safety is always important. Should you notice improper activities going on at your neighbor’s home, would you ignore the issue? If you witnessed a bully threatening another child, would you remain silent and neutral? A component of responsible Digital Citizenship demands that you respond to digital offenders in a manner that can end the offenses. This doesn’t entail a violent exchange of instant-messaging. It merely requires that you report the offender to the website management or, if necessary, to the proper legal authorities.

Digital Law

Learning to protect yourself goes far deeper than the visual aspects of digital communications. You must also learn the laws that govern Internet activities. For example:

Do you know and understand digital copyright procedures?
Are you familiar with websites that involve software pirating?
How can you prevent someone from stealing your identity?
How do you identify Internet scams?
Can you prevent hackers from invading your system?

Being a Good Digital Citizen

by manders4 | Oct 24, 2022 | Data and Metadata | 0 comments

Digital Citizenship

As we enter a world in which the digital world is our main access point of information, it is crucial that we consider our digital citizenship. I know that for me, as a young adult just now emerging as my own individual, I am considering many things like digital citizenship for the first time. So what is digital citizenship? How do we further develop digital citizenship? How do we act as good and responsible citizens digitally? These are all questions racking my brain currently. However, after this week I feel as though I have more answers to these questions.

The two worlds occur simultaneously and in 2022 are intertwined with each other. Therefore it is crucial when acting online that we adhere to the same sort of respect and responsibilities that we assume when in public physically. Demonstrating respect towards all people around us whether or not we know them. Continuing to stand up for the things we feel passionately about and speaking up for those who cannot do so for themselves. We want people to feel loved, heard, and seen in both the physical and digital world. As contributors to both, we need to make sure we continue to be kind and considerate people online, especially because when we put kind energy out into the world kind energy finds us and creates a feeling of inclusively and kindness in our society.

This concept of reciprocity is highlighted in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s essay, “ Maple Nation” within her book Braiding Sweetgrass . Her essay highlights the way in which indigenous cultures treat all things with respect whether that be another human, an animal, or a plant because the world we live in is give-and-take. She describes the parallels between the human world and the natural world, and that at the end of the day our worlds are intertwined because all need each other to be successful.

Responsibilities of a Good Digital Citizen

As a Digital citizen, there are some responsibilities that you should adhere to in order to create the inclusive environment described above in which we feel as though there is reciprocity.

To begin, you should keep yourself safe. Even though we are attempting to create a kind and respectful environment online there can be nasty people in this digital world. It can be very easy to protect yourself online and is crucial to your safety. You shouldn’t share personal information that may help scammers reset your passwords and access your accounts.

All people and cultures in this world deserve to be treated with respect, even if they haven’t earned your kindness, especially online. It is very easy to lose sight of people online because you can’t see them, but it is crucial that you are respectful, regardless of whether or not you agree with them.

Fact Check:

Not all information you are told in life is true, which is sad, but true. So before posting something online or commenting on something you see online, do some fact-checking. If you have access to the internet, which some people don’t, you should take advantage of that access and check the information you are told. Fact-checking not only stops further misinformation from being told but also develops a digital world that we can trust.

Do not be a bystander:

In situations of bullying or injustice, speak up for the victim and support them in their position. It is very easy for people to feel ganged up on online and nearly impossible to make the rude person stop in a quick and efficient way, but their words will still affect some negatively just as they would in real life.

Do not Plagiarize:

Plagiarism is not respectful because you are taking credit for the written or spoken word of someone else and therefore does not work to create good digital citizenship. Write your own content, it can be difficult at times and of course time consuming, but it is the honest and kind way to put information onto the internet.

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What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is the ability to navigate our digital environments in a way that's safe and responsible and to actively and respectfully engage in these spaces.

Although we live and interact in the digital world in a similar way to the offline world, we're not always as mindful of our actions online. We can sometimes act without realizing how it could affect our reputation, safety and growth as digital citizens. In the meantime, everything we do online continues to affect and define our digital world and selves.

Digital media also provide unique opportunities for everyone to get involved, to speak out and to make change both online and offline. Our actions in our online world can have a real impact and we all have a role to play as active digital citizens.

Did you know: It takes just 10 percent of the people in a community to set its values. Even a single voice can make other people less likely to conform and more likely to speak out.

Find out how to take part in MediaSmarts’ annual Digital Citizen Day and help build a better world online!

What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

Being a digital citizen is about working to ensure you are contributing to the health and well-being of your communities. How are you contributing to a positive culture online?

Four categories:

Empathy and Community
Positive Technology Use
Sharing Information
Ethics and Privacy

Empathy and community-building

I remind myself that there's a real person behind the screen
I reach out to help if I see someone being cyberbullied
I take a break before doing anything when I get angry
If I get in a conflict with someone I know online, I talk it out in person
I push back against hate and prejudice when I see them online
I report hate and harassment when I see them online
I complain to platforms and advertisers if I see them supporting hate
I speak out to shape the values of my online communities

Empathy and Community tip sheet

Positive technology use

I use digital tools to connect with my friends and family
I use digital tools to be an active citizen in my community
I’m mindful of my digital media use and use digital devices as tools at specific times for specific purposes

Positive Technology Use tip sheet

Sharing information

I check reputable sources before sharing info
I share information that I know is useful and reliable
I challenge misinformation without giving it extra attention
What do I already know about this?
Why do I want to believe or disprove it?
What would make me change my mind?

Sharing Information tip sheet

Rights, privacy and ethics

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Teaching digital citizenship in the classroom

By teaching students the various aspects of digital media literacy from an early age, educators will start students on the road to active and responsible digital citizenship. As digital citizens, students should have the ability to access, use, understand and engage with media (including online communities); apply critical thinking to all the media they use and consume; and know how to all these things ethically and effectively.

Read more about incorporating digital citizenship in the classroom here .

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Theses and Dissertations

Becoming a responsible digital citizen: essential skills and knowledge from the perspectives and lived experiences of k–5 administrators, students, and teachers.

Karen Riccio , Illinois State University Follow

Date of Award

Document type.

Dissertation

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Doctor of Education (EdD)

School of Teaching and Learning

First Advisor

Jay C Percell

Digital citizenship has become an increasingly important topic and is not consistently defined amongst administrators, students, and teachers. There is also a lack of knowledge about the essential skills and knowledge to become a responsible digital citizen, making it difficult to identify how to help students become responsible digital citizens. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives and lived experiences of K–5 administrators, students, and teachers considering the essential knowledge and skills to become a responsible digital citizen.This study filled a gap in the literature, as there was a lack of perceptions and experiences about the essential knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible digital citizen from the perspectives of administrators, students, and teachers (Guven, 2018). This study used a transcendental phenomenological research process (Moustakas, 1994) and collected data from research participants’ semistructured interviews, digital journals, and creative synthesis products (e.g., digital story, digital logo, social media post, digital poster). The data were analyzed following the phenomenological processes as posited by Moustakas (1994). The emerging themes for administrators included functionality of technology, having an awareness of cyberbullying, showing accountability to care for devices, understanding the concept of a digital footprint, and healthy connections and relationships. The emerging themes for students included finding reliable sources, showing kindness, and online safety. The emerging themes for teachers included meaningful lessons and discussions, and understanding the concept of a digital footprint. The findings of this study showed responsibility at the heart of digital citizenship and gave a unique perspective on the perceptions of K–5 administrators, students, and teachers about the essential skills and knowledge to become a responsible digital citizen and shed light on common misconceptions and inconsistent beliefs about digital citizenship which will aid school districts in their implementation of digital citizenship. The results of this study will also help further discussions about the roles of school librarians and provide evidence for increased collaboration between school librarians and K–5 teachers. In addition, the essential digital citizenship skills identified within the results of this study can be shared with the American Library Association (ALA) particularly the essential skills for digital citizenship that overlap with ALA’s definition of digital literacy: “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (ALA Digital Literacy Task Force, 2011, para. 1).

Imported from Riccio_ilstu_0092E_12094.pdf

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Riccio, Karen, "Becoming a Responsible Digital Citizen: Essential Skills and Knowledge from the Perspectives and Lived Experiences of K–5 Administrators, Students, and Teachers" (2022). Theses and Dissertations . 1535. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1535

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2022.20220606094401505671.999975

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Digital Citizenship

First Online: 20 October 2022

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Mesut Duran 2

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The present chapter focuses on an overarching concept of “digital citizenship” in learning technologies. The chapter first describes the characteristics of citizenship in the digital age highlighting the “nine themes” of digital citizenship. The writing then focuses on teaching citizenship in schools. After that, the chapter discusses current trends and issues concerning digital citizenship. Finally, the chapter summarizes the critical issues addressed and highlights their implications for policy and practices.

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Duran, M. (2022). Digital Citizenship. In: Learning Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-18111-5_8

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Digital Etiquette for Being a Good Digital Citizen

Being a good online citizen is more than being a safe Internet user—it’s about being responsible, smart, and having respect for yourself and others. As a user of the Web, various apps, social networking sites, and other online collaboration forums, you are a “citizen” of different communities. And just like real-life communities, there are rules to follow that will make sure you have the best possible experience.

See our lists below for digital do’s and don’ts.

Four Digital Do's

Be careful of what you share. Comments, social media posts, photos, and anything else you share online is not guaranteed to be protected from online predators or hackers, even if you’re sharing only to specific people on password-protected sites. Post only things you’d be ok with everyone you know seeing.

Treat others the way you want to be treated. This sounds pretty basic, but it’s probably the one piece of digital etiquette advice that is broken the most. Keep your comments positive; be truthful, and polite. If you want to go the extra mile, acknowledge when someone has been helpful; thank them, and pay it forward!
Be safe. Being safe online is a whole topic in itself, much different from being a good digital citizen—and with much different ramifications. It’s crucial not divulge any personal information, passwords, addresses, etc. with someone you don’t know.
Know the rules. Whether you’re using classroom forums, Twitter, Facebook, or other sites, know the site’s rules and guidelines—and follow them. Each community creates their own rules that they expect users to follow, which can usually be found in the “Site Rules” or “About Us” section.
Be vigilant. If you saw something happen in real life where someone could be harmed, you’d call for help, right? If you see something online that may be harmful to someone else, report it to the site’s authorities or an adult you trust. With cyberbullying and online predators, we cannot be too careful these days, and we all need to look out for each other.

Five Digital Don’ts

Don’t say anything online you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. An online comment can be even more hurtful than a face-to-face insult, because once something is written the person can read it over and over again.Sometimes we find it easier to reply with negative comments when the person is not right in front of you and you can hide behind your computer or smartphone. Don’t be tempted; think twice about what you are saying before you post or send, and ask yourself, “Would I say this to someone if they were standing in front of me?”
Don’t share anything you don’t own, without permission. All content was created by someone, and that person owns their content. This includes articles (and ANY portion of articles), photos, memes, reports, blogs, and anything else online that wasn’t created by you. Be aware of copyright laws, ask permission before you share, and be sure to give credit if you reuse or repost an article or picture you didn’t create.
Don’t believe everything you read. Not everything online is true. In fact, there’s a lot online that’s not true. Before believing (or sharing!), dig deeper. Search for facts. Just because it’s written online doesn’t mean it’s true.
Don’t post anything that you don’t want to last forever. Before you say or post anything online, ask yourself, “Am I ok if this is never deleted?”. Once something is out there online, it is likely it’s out there for good. There is no delete button or eraser for the Internet.
Don’t spend all of your free time online. The Internet is an amazing place with lots to offer. As with all things that provide an “outlet”, moderation is important. Don’t forget that the real world, real people, and real human interaction provide a lot of lessons and experiences, too!

Managing Your Digital Footprint

Following the general rules of the information superhighway is just as important as following the rules of the road. Think of your digital footprint just as a driving record—all your infringements are traceable. But in this case, not just for the DMV to see, but for everyone online! These days, accessing information about people is a simple Google search. Employers doing internet searches on potential job candidates has become the norm. Proper grammar, tasteful photos, and putting your best foot(print) forward will get you a lot farther in the long run. Your future is in your own digital hands.

We found these two great documents to share for Internet use at home: a pledge for kids and a pledge for parents . It’s a good idea to read, sign, and post them where they can be reviewed often.

Do you have any additional tips for good online citizenship? Please share them in the comments section below.

Cammie Allen

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What Are the Qualifications to Be President of the United States?

By: Dave Roos

Published: May 31, 2024

When the United States Constitution was being drafted and ratified, the Founders debated over what qualifications to impose on the nation’s highest offices. Some delegates argued that members of Congress shouldn’t be debtors or foreign-born. Others insisted that all federal officers should be landowners. A few believed there should be almost no qualifications or restrictions on who holds a federal office—that the voters should decide who is best equipped.

In the end, the framers of the Constitution chose to include just three qualifications for the office of U.S. president. They’re laid out in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 :

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

Unlike European aristocracies, where only wealthy landed gentlemen could rule, America’s Constitution imposed no financial requirements or religious tests on who was fit for office.

“In the ratifying conventions, there were people who said, ‘You mean somebody who is poor, or somebody who is not a Christian, or somebody who doesn’t hold any land can become president of the United States?’ It was a little bizarre to think that anyone could serve,” says Derek Muller, an election law professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School. “The notion was that these were some bare minimums. They expected that the people who voted—or the electors who voted for president—would exercise their judgment about who had the appropriate qualifications.”

Basic Qualifications: Age, Citizenship and Residency

According to the Constitution, there are just three basic qualifications for being president:

Age: The person must be at least 35 years old
Citizenship : The person must be a “natural born citizen” (meaning they were born to American parents and did not become a citizen through the naturalization process)
Residency: The person has lived in the U.S. at least 14 years

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Founders debated the minimum age for federal officers, with George Mason proposing 25 for members of the House and James Wilson arguing that there shouldn’t be any age restrictions at all. James Madison , in his minutes of the Convention, reported Wilson saying, “There was no more reason for incapacitating youth than age , when the requisite qualifications were found.”

In the end, the Founders settled on three different minimum ages: 25 for the House, 30 for the Senate and 35 for the presidency (and vice presidency). Muller says the president’s minimum age must be met by Inauguration Day . A 34-year-old could be elected president in November of an election year, but they’d need to turn 35 before January 20 to take office.

The Founders universally supported a citizenship requirement, and there wouldn’t have been any confusion about what it meant to be a “natural born” citizen. That language was common in 18th-century British law, which recognized all children born to British parents as “natural-born subjects,” even if they were born outside the British Empire.

Note that the framers were careful to include the clause “at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution,” to waive the “natural-born” requirement for prominent delegates like Robert Morris and James Wilson, who were born to British parents outside of the American Colonies (England and Scotland respectively).

The president is the only federal officer who is required to have lived in the U.S. a specific number of years. (House members and Senators only have to be residents of the states they represent.) In explaining the logic of the Founders, Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story wrote that the 14-year residency ensured that “the people may have a full opportunity to know [the candidate’s] character and merits, and that he may have mingled in the duties, and felt the interests, and understood the principles, and nourished the attachments, belonging to every citizen in a republican government.”

Impeachment Is Not a Disqualifier

Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution states that a president or other federal officials can be impeached and removed from office if convicted (by Congress) of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

Only three U.S. presidents have been impeached—Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump (twice)—but none was convicted and removed. If they had been convicted, though, could they run again for president and serve another term?

The short answer is “no.” Article I, Section 3, Clause 7 of the Constitution states (in part): “ Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States .”

So, if a president is both impeached and convicted, that disqualifies them from holding any other political office. But impeachment alone is not a disqualifier.

Two More Disqualifications: Term Limits and Insurrection

Muller says that the Constitution mentions two other situations in which people would be disqualified or barred from being president. Both are found in constitutional amendments.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, formally imposed a two-term limit on U.S. presidents. Starting with George Washington , all American presidents stepped down after two terms (if re-elected). That custom was broken by Franklin D. Roosevelt , who was re-elected to historic third and fourth terms in 1940 and 1944, as America was embroiled in World War II .

Legislators passed the 22nd Amendment to prevent future presidents from trying to beat FDR’s record of 12 years in office. That’s why former presidents who served two full terms are disqualified from serving again. (Interestingly, the wording of the 22nd Amendment says that no person can be “elected” more than twice for president, but it doesn’t explicitly prevent a former two-term president from ascending to a third term via the vice presidency.)

The Constitution’s only other disqualification for the presidency came in 1868, in the wake of the Civil War , when lawmakers sought to prevent former Confederate officers from occupying seats in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment states:

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Lawmakers successfully employed Section 3 in the 1860s to prevent former Confederates from blocking Reconstruction legislation. But by 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant was under pressure to lift the ban on former Confederates, which he did—with the General Amnesty Act of 1872. After that, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment sat on the shelf for nearly 150 years.

Criminal Convictions and Jail Sentences are Not Disqualifiers

When it comes to eligibility for the nation’s highest office, the founding document makes no mention of the issue of criminal convictions. Nothing prevents a person convicted of multiple felonies or other criminal charges from becoming president.

“The Constitution does not list those things out,” says Muller. “Voters can certainly take that into consideration, but that’s a different matter from saying that you’re barred from holding office.”

Technically, there’s nothing in the Constitution or its amendments that says a president couldn’t perform their duties from prison, either. In the 1920 presidential election, the socialist candidate Eugene Debs ran his campaign from a federal prison in Georgia, where he was serving a 10-year sentence for sedition. Debs ran as "Convict No. 9653” and won 3.5 percent of the vote .

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Trump found guilty: Read the court transcript of the hush money trial's final day

History was made Thursday afternoon when a Manhattan jury handed down a guilty verdict to former president Donald Trump .

Judge Juan Merchan was poised to dismiss the jury for the evening on their second day of deliberating when he received the note.

The jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to disguise the hush money payment issued to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election as legal expenses. Trump is expected to appeal the decision .

Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom, but you can experience the historic moment through court transcripts :

Understanding the verdict: What was Trump found guilty of? See the 34 business records the jury decided he falsified

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Read Trump trial transcript of guilty verdict proceedings

You can read all testimony transcripts on the New York Court media website .

Trump found guilty: Catch up on the trial's sex stories, secret tapes and court drama

See the first verdict sheet of a former president

What's next for donald trump.

Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sentencing for July 11, and Trump is out free until then.

Because this is Trump's first felony offense, his sentence is likely to be as light as probation or home confinement. If he does receive a prison sentence , it would probably be less than a year.

Trump is also likely to appeal the conviction, further pushing down any chance he serves jailtime before the election.

Contributing: Aysha Bagchi

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In conclusion, digital citizenship is a very important part of our lives. It helps us to stay safe online, respect others, and use digital tools in a positive way. By understanding and following the rules of digital citizenship, we can make the internet a better place for everyone. Remember, being a good digital citizen is like being a good ...
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What is Digital Citizenship?
As digital citizens, students should have the ability to access, use, understand and engage with media (including online communities); apply critical thinking to all the media they use and consume; and know how to all these things ethically and effectively. Read more about incorporating digital citizenship in the classroom here. Digital ...
"Becoming a Responsible Digital Citizen: Essential Skills and Knowledge
Digital citizenship has become an increasingly important topic and is not consistently defined amongst administrators, students, and teachers. There is also a lack of knowledge about the essential skills and knowledge to become a responsible digital citizen, making it difficult to identify how to help students become responsible digital citizens. The purpose of this study was to explore the ...
What it Means to Be a Good Digital Citizen
Social-Emotional Learning. Student Voice. What it Means to Be a Good Digital Citizen. You can do whatever you want. And so can your students. In the physical world, and the digital world. Of course, our actions have consequences. This can be a little easier to see in the physical world — for example, you can drive 30 miles over the speed ...
Digital Citizenship
Many aspects of a good citizen, such as being kind, respectful, and responsible, are critical elements of digital citizenship (Fingal, 2021).However, students need to learn how to apply these qualities in cyberspace to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in the virtual world (Frost, 2022).Therefore, this chapter examines the citizenship application in the digital age.
Digital Etiquette for Being a Good Digital Citizen
Being a good digital citizen can help you interact responsibly online. Learn what digital etiquette is and how it can improve your experience online. ... Being a good online citizen is more than being a safe Internet user—it's about being responsible, smart, and having respect for yourself and others. As a user of the Web, various apps ...
The impact of digital government on citizen well-being
Informed by the OECD's well-being framework, this Working Paper considers how the experience of civic engagement and governance is being transformed and explores how governments can harness the potential of digital technologies and data to develop better outcomes for better lives. The paper proposes that in order to maximise the relationship between digital government activity and citizen ...
The key role of digital governance, natural resource depletion, and
Every country in the twenty-first century places the highest focus on the health and happiness of its citizens. In contrast, natural resource depletion may harm people's health, making it more challenging to achieve human well-being. The digital revolution has had an effect on society on a variety of levels, most notably on the levels of social welfare, economics, and governance. As a result ...
What Are the Qualifications to Be President of the United States
Basic Qualifications: Age, Citizenship and Residency. According to the Constitution, there are just three basic qualifications for being president: Age: The person must be at least 35 years old.
What was Trump convicted of? See the 34 falsified business records
Here are the 34 business records Trump was found guilty of falsifying, as described in Judge Juan Merchan 's jury instructions: Count 1: Michael Cohen's invoice dated Feb. 14, 2017. Count 2: Entry ...
Read the transcript of Trump's historic guilty verdict
Donald Trump was found guilty for falsifying business records by a New York jury. We couldn't watch live, but you can read the transcripts.

Essay on Digital Citizenship

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Why is Digital Citizenship Important?

Elements of Digital Citizenship

Role of Schools in Digital Citizenship

250 Words Essay on Digital Citizenship

Importance of Digital Citizenship

Aspects of Digital Citizenship

500 Words Essay on Digital Citizenship

Staying Safe Online

Respecting Others

Positive Use of Digital Tools

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Digital Citizenship Is About a Whole Lot More Than Online Etiquette

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What is Digital Citizenship? A Beginner’s Guide

Background and Significance

The Three Pillars of Digital Citizenship

Nurturing Positive Digital Citizenship

Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Digital Pitfalls

Take the Next Step

Loving it?❤️Why stop…

Digital Citizenship 101: Responsible Online Behavior

Understanding the Digital Landscape: Navigating the Online World with Responsibility

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Are You a Good Digital Citizen?

Examine Your Digital Footprint

Protect Your Privacy

Respect Others

Using the Rapid Principle

I NTELLIGENT

D ISTINCTIVE

Becoming a Good Digital Citizen: Navigating the Online World Ethically

Defining Digital Citizenship

Key Principles of Digital Citizenship

2. Privacy Awareness

3. Ethical Thinking

4. Online Etiquette

5. Cybersecurity

Benefits of Being a Good Digital Citizen

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It affects your everyday life

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It helps you maximize the benefits of the global community

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