"Digital citizenship is character education in a networked world."...respect, being kind, meeting expectations
“Digital citizenship” refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level.
Parents can help teach their children to become good digital citizens when engaging in online activity. Here are some free resources that can help us guide our digital natives safely and responsibily while at home or at school.
Raising Digital Children
Teach your children to become good digital citizens with these resources.
Parent Tips:
Cell Phones
Terminology:
Educational Technology: Cell Phone Resources |
Federal Trade Commission: Kids & Mobile Phones |
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves the use of technologies to display behavior that harms another through email, instant messaging, text messaging and social networking sites, so that hurtful messages can be posted and shared.
Tips:
National Cybersecurity Alliance: Cyberbullying |
StopBullying: Stop Cyberbullying |
ConnectSafely: Tips to Stop Cyberbullying |
CommonSense: Understanding Social Media |
Ethics
“Plagiarism” is the use of another's work as your own. With the Internet, all material is copyrighted unless it states otherwise. Such material includes but is not limited to, images, music, text and videos.
The following tips will help encourage ethical cyber citizenship:
SoCAU: Code of Best Practices in Fair Use |
Landmarks for Schools: Permission Template |
Gaming
Online gaming provides the opportunity to play games from a computer or other streaming device. Some consoles and sites have a social element, as users can play anyone from around the world. Chatting, IM and other social tools exist within these games.
Tips:
National Cybersecurity Alliance: Gaming |
Internet Matters: Online Gaming Advice |
Online Gaming Tips |
StaySafeOnline: Gaming Tips for Parents |
CommonSense: Parental Controls for Playstation |
Instant Messaging and Email
Instant messaging (IM) allows users to correspond online with others. IM can occur through a mobile device or computer with Internet access. Similar to text messaging, IM allows users to correspond in brief text. Popular IM platforms include iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SnapChat, and WeChat
Email also allows users to interact online. Follow the common email usage tips below:
Talk to Your Kids About Being Safe Online |
Kids: Sexting and Texting |
Basic Internet Safety |
Social Networking
Social networking websites provide a social atmosphere by allowing users to share personal information. Popular sites include Facebook, Google+ and Twitter with similar elements including status updates, photo share, friend list or followers, chat, gaming and internal messaging/email. Most social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook are intended for those ages 13 and older. Learn more here.
Social Media: Parent Concerns |
Understanding Social Media |