Our children are digital natives—they've never known a world without the internet. But growing up with technology doesn't automatically make them good digital citizens. That requires intentional education.
What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship encompasses the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior regarding technology use:
- How we treat others online.
- How we protect ourselves and our privacy.
- How we consume and create content.
- How we balance digital and physical life.
Key Pillars
- Digital Etiquette: Thinking before posting, treating others as you'd want to be treated, and understanding that real people are behind screens.
- Rights & Responsibilities: Freedom of expression comes with the responsibility to respect others.
- Digital Literacy: Evaluating sources, identifying misinformation, and understanding how algorithms shape what we see.
- Digital Wellness: Balancing screen time and maintaining healthy relationships with technology.
Age-Appropriate Discussions
- Young Children (5-8): Emphasize that basic kindness applies online too. Teach them that some things should stay private and to tell an adult if something bothers them.
- Tweens (9-12): Discuss the permanence of the digital footprint ("The internet never forgets"), being a good friend online, and recognizing cyberbullying.
- Teens: Cover complex ethics, social media's impact on mental health, and legal implications of online behavior.
Practical Activities
- Google Yourself: Do this together to see what information is public.
- Evaluate Sources: Find examples of reliable vs. unreliable sources.
- Rewrite Comments: Practice rewriting harsh comments kindly.
- Privacy Review: Review privacy settings on apps and games together.
The Codzilla Approach
Digital citizenship isn't a separate subject for us—it's woven throughout our curriculum. As students learn to create technology, they also learn to use it responsibly. Our goal is students who are not just capable with technology, but wise in using it.
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