Hey there, Year 9 and10 students! Let’s talk about digital citizenship – it’s all about how you use technology and behave online. Think of it like being a good citizen, but in the digital world. It’s about being respectful, responsible, and safe whenever you’re using the internet or digital devices.
The NSW Department of Education defines the digital citizenship as “A digital citizen is a person with the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies to participate in society, communicate with others and create and consume digital content” (NSW Department of Education, n.d. para,1).
So, what does this mean for you? Well, first off, it’s important to understand that you have rights online, just like in the real world. You also need to respect other people’s rights and privacy when you’re online. That means being careful about what you share and making sure you’re not using other people’s stuff without permission.
You know how you’re always researching stuff online for school projects or chatting with friends on social media? Digital citizenship means knowing how to tell if the information you find is reliable and true. It’s like having a superpower – the ability to spot fake news and tell fact from fiction. Pretty cool, right?
But it’s not just about what you do online – it’s also about how you treat others. Cyberbullying and online harassment are serious issues, and they can hurt people just like in real life. Being a good digital citizen means treating others with kindness and respect, whether you’re posting comments, sharing photos, or sending messages (Ribble & Bailey, 2007).
And let’s not forget about staying safe online. Just like you lock the door to your house to keep out intruders, you need to protect your digital stuff too. That means using strong passwords, being careful about who you talk to online, and knowing how to spot scams and fake websites.
By being a good digital citizen, you’re not just looking out for yourself – you’re also making the internet a better place for everyone. So, let’s make a pact to use our digital powers for good and be the best digital citizens we can be!
Now, it’s your turn to think about what ‘Digital Citizenship’ means to you and what your digital life is like.
Activity 1: Click the link to access a PowerPoint, then think, discuss, and share your thoughts with your friends and family. The PowerPoint is created by Common Sense Education.
Activity 2: Click on the YouTube video below to get a better understanding about digital citizenship.
© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org. Lesson last updated: August 2019
All illustrations on this page are license-free and embedded with attributions. https://storyset.com