7 Examples of Digital Citizenship

Children and teenagers spend a significant amount of time online every day. This puts their sensitive information at risk while also potentially exposing them to harassment and other harmful behaviors. To help students have a positive experience online and create a more compassionate digital community, students need to understand digital citizenship. 

There have been increased instances of suicide and mental health concerns as a result of online bullying, the sharing of private photos, and other hurtful actions committed online. Students can use the principles of digital citizenship to help them stay safe online. Learn more about digital citizenship and how it can make a difference. 

What Counts as Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship refers to the responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology to participate in online and offline communities. It encompasses a number of skills and information about how to be respectful to others, how to protect private information, protect themselves from and recognize online predators, and even how to safely make purchases online. 

There are nine main concepts of digital citizenship:

• Digital etiquette
• Digital law
• Digital safety
• Digital health and wellness
• Digital access
• Digital security
• Digital literacy
• Digital rights and responsibilities
• Digital commerce

Each of these concepts tackles a challenge that students may encounter in the digital world, offering information that they can rely on for years to come. But how exactly do these concepts come into play? Let’s look at 7 examples of digital citizenship. 

7 Examples of Digital Citizenship in Action

Digital citizenship concepts can translate clearly into everyday life, making them essential for students to learn. 

1. A Student Reports Cyberbullying Instead of Ignoring It

Encountering cyberbullying is, unfortunately, all too common. A student who knows about digital etiquette and understands that having respectful interactions is essential, even in the online world, can feel empowered to report it. This sets clear boundaries, ensuring that everyone involved understands their rights and responsibilities when they’re online. 

2. Teachers Model Respectful Online Discussions in Class Forums

Often, students require an example to follow about what is and isn’t allowed in interactions online. A teacher who takes the time to address students respectfully in a class forum displays digital etiquette. Students will be more likely to model this kind of behavior in the future, even if the teacher is not monitoring the discussion, because they will have a clear guideline to follow.  

3. A Group Project Sets Clear Digital Communication Norms

Working on a group project offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn how to communicate online with their peers in safe and respectful ways. Teachers can specify how they would prefer the group to talk, or they can allow students to decide on their own, but always with the admonishment to keep digital citizenship concepts in mind. 

It can teach students how their peer interactions should be when it comes to schoolwork. Additionally, it can show students how to safely share files and other data.

4. A Student Checks Sources Before Reposting Information

Students who have digital literacy and understand how to interpret what they encounter online will not post or repost information without first verifying it. This sets the tone for other students to follow the example, which helps when it comes to avoiding misinformation and spreading harmful gossip that could impact others. 

5. Peer Mentors Teach Younger Students About Password Safety

Keeping passwords and other information safe is a vital aspect of digital citizenship. Peer mentors who take time to help younger students understand the dangers of sharing passwords, using public computers without signing out, and other similar issues can help improve digital literacy and safety. 

6. A School Rewards Positive Digital Behavior With a Culture-Building Program

To incentivize positive digital behavior, schools can offer a variety of programs that help students continue this compassionate and kind path. This sets clear expectations for students about the kinds of conduct that will be accepted online and shows how the actions they take in the digital world can be beneficial for them in the real world. 

7. Parents and Educators Partner to Set Digital Boundaries at Home and School

Bringing parents and teachers together to improve digital literacy and set boundaries can help students better understand digital health and wellness. 

Why These Examples Matter

The above 7 examples of digital citizenship may not seem huge, but they can have a significant impact on overall school culture. Even small positive interactions online can become “infectious,” leading others to perform kind acts and respect boundaries. 

Acting with more compassion and kindness online can lead to improved relationships among peers. If students are less likely to share a rumor about someone they know because they’re not sure it’s true, then that can reduce the types of bullying that have led to tragedies in the recent past. 

Digital citizenship also helps students stay safer when they’re engaging online with others. They will have a better idea of what’s expected of them and what conduct they should not accept from others. This gives them a better sense of control. Because they’re empowered by knowledge, they’ll also be more likely to want to help others who are struggling. 

Support Digital Citizenship Without Overwhelming Your Staff

It’s clear that digital citizenship is vital for the school environment and to foster an overall positive culture. Implementing these strategies, however, can feel like a challenge. Administrators and teachers tend to be overworked and might not know how they’ll be able to make time for these concepts. 

One of the options that you have is to work with Rachel’s Challenge. We offer programs as assemblies and virtual sessions that can take the pressure off your staff while still providing the crucial information that students need. 

We are dedicated to building more positive communities, with children and teens who are ready to help one another and not tear each other down. 

We are a turn-key, culture-first support system that can help transform how students interact with peers, teachers, and administrators. Even one small positive change in school culture can ripple out to the community at large. 

Rachel’s Challenge Supports Digital Citizenship 

Rachel’s Challenge offers assemblies and follow-up programs that focus on fostering a safer and more supportive school environment. We believe that schools should be built on the idea of kindness and compassion, providing everyone a chance to learn and succeed. 

Our programs help to empower students to make a lasting difference in their school. By beginning a chain reaction of kindness, even small acts can have huge effects that lead to safer school environments and engaged students overall. Book an event or donate to start improving engagement at your institution today.