What is Digital Citizenship?

In this day and age, people spend a significant portion of their days online. It’s not easy for most people to navigate social media and the internet at large, and it can be especially challenging for children and teenagers. That is why there has been a growing push to introduce the concept of digital citizenship. 

But what is digital citizenship exactly? Digital citizenship is the safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology to participate in online communities. This concept encompasses the numerous behaviors and skills needed to navigate the digital world and create a positive digital footprint. 

That footprint is more important now than it has ever been. Teen suicide rates remain a critical concern, and one of the factors that has contributed to their rise is online bullying and harassment. Digital citizenship offers the chance to improve the overall environment in both online and offline communities by teaching students a few key concepts. 

Why Digital Citizenship Matters in Today’s Schools

So what is digital citizenship’s role in schools today? At its heart, digital citizenship promotes online safety, helping students understand how to protect their personal information and recognize online threats. That’s a vital part of children’s education as technology continues to evolve and become more prominent in their lives.

Digital citizenship also fosters responsible behavior. Students get a sense of their digital footprint and learn that the actions they take online can have real-life consequences. This encourages the development of empathy and respect as well. Even in digital spaces, students have to learn to communicate with others without aggression. 

Learning these concepts doesn’t just impact the online world. If children and teenagers learn how to digitally speak with others with respect and compassion, that can echo out into the school environment. 

Digital citizenship can have a profound impact on education. Students who learn how to use online resources wisely and rely on technology in an ethical manner can boost their education while also gaining powerful tools that will help them in future careers. 

The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship

To safely and ethically navigate their online world, there are 9 elements of digital citizenship that students need to learn. 

1. Digital Access

Digital access refers to the belief that everyone should have equal access to the internet and digital technology. Having digital access allows individuals to fully participate in society. 

2. Digital Commerce

Digital commerce involves the ability to buy and sell products and services online. Students need to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with these types of online transactions. This teaches students how to recognize secure websites and spot potential risks.

3. Digital Communication 

Learning digital communication helps students understand the various options available for communicating electronically, like email, social media, and instant messaging. It teaches students how to respectfully and safely use these communication tools while being fully aware of the potential consequences of everything they say. 

4. Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to use technology correctly and know how to evaluate and use online information effectively. It involves learning both cognitive and technical skills, like using smartphones, creating content, and collaborating digitally. 

5. Digital Etiquette

This refers to what’s expected in personal and professional digital interactions. It includes treating others with kindness and courtesy, being mindful of their digital footprint, and avoiding harassing anyone. 

An important factor when it comes to digital etiquette is consent and privacy. Students must learn how to respect others and not share private photos or information without obtaining permission. 

6. Digital Law

Digital law refers to the legal aspects of digital technology and what constitutes illegal activity, like hacking, cyberbullying, plagiarizing, and downloading copyrighted materials. Instructing students in this concept helps them understand what the consequences of these actions are and the type of enforcement they could face. 

7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities

Students must learn the various rights and responsibilities they have online, such as free speech, while also keeping in mind that others have those same rights. 

8. Digital Health & Wellness

Digital health and wellness refers to the well-being, both physical and psychological, of the users of technology. Students learn about eye strain, posture, and even internet addiction. 

9. Digital Security (Self-Protection)

With digital security, students can learn how to better protect their information by creating strong passwords, not sharing access with others, and avoiding viruses.

How School Culture and Leadership Play a Role

Students spend a large portion of their days in school, which means that their outlook on life can be greatly impacted by the school environment. What they learn there, they put into practice across their lives, including digital spaces. 

School leadership sets the tone here. The right environment shows students the benefits technology offers while also prioritizing compassion. Leadership can do this by incorporating digital citizenship into the curriculum and promoting open communication on all of the concepts surrounding it. 

Prioritizing digital citizenship helps to build a culture of compassion and kindness where bullying is not accepted. It’s not a simple thing to achieve, however, especially with time limitations. Getting all staff on board regarding digital citizenship is essential so that these programs are sustainable. 

It’s also important to involve parents, since a lot of online use happens at home. By getting them to participate, parents and educators can collaborate in making the digital world safer for everyone. 

One of the tools available to help schools achieve this is Rachel’s Challenge. This program incorporates digital citizenship concepts to meet all required standards and can provide the support that staff may need to reinforce the various key areas. 

From Online Conduct to Real-World Impact

The online world doesn’t stay online. It seeps into everyday life and can cause serious psychological issues for children and teens, including increasing the risk of suicidal ideation. Online bullying and other forms of harassment make daily life more difficult and can ripple outward, impacting everyone around the victim. 

By relying on digital citizenship concepts, students can improve their online interactions and start another kind of ripple: one of kindness and compassion. This thoughtfulness and caring that occurs online can quickly make its way to the school environment, offering a more positive experience for everyone.