Promoting

Digital
Citizenship
Group 1 – ENG 17
 What is Digital
Citizenship?
Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of
technology. By teaching digital citizenship,
young students learn how to connect and
empathize with one another, make smart
decisions and protect themselves and their
reputation when interacting online. 
Without proper guidance on what it means to be a
good digital citizen,
students may engage in harmful behavior
online, including cyberbullying, irresponsible 
social media usage or sharing of private, personal
or sensitive information. This can lead
to potentially dangerous situations
and have negative effects on students’ mental
health.
 What is Digital Citizenship?
 Digital citizenship and literacy allow one to interact with technology, media and digital resources in real-world
situations safely and effectively, according to Meyer.
 Students are more exposed to the internet than ever. Young children spend around 
seven hours every day in front of a screen, and most teenagers have access to a mobile device.
 Approaching digital citizenship is a unique issue for K–12 schools. Competent technology use cannot effectively
be taught with a rigid course curriculum alone; it needs to be woven into the fabric of the school, according to
ISTE CEO Richard Culatta.
 “Digital citizenship is not about teaching curriculum — it’s about creating a culture,” - Culatta
 “That really has to happen at a school level. It can’t just be adding another hour of teaching in a particular
class.”
 Although this kind of learning takes time, that does not mean schools have to wait idly by until students grasp
what it means to be a trustworthy digital citizen. There are tools available to serve as internet guardrails until a
culture of digital literacy and responsible use sets in.
 How important is Digital Citizenship?
 With 4.66 billion active internet users around the world- and the number is on the
rise- and amidst this networking with the digital world, adequate internet access is
crucial, and its use is now a must beyond its entertainment purposes.

 Those users make up this digital community that provides promising opportunities in
different areas, including entertainment, education, employment, services, and social
networks. Therefore, any divergence from this course would mean a complete
unfamiliarity with the future and its tools and knowledge, and one would run the risk
of not catching up with the advanced technology that is now a basic need in our life.

 By properly using the internet, we can contribute to the creation of a safe and
interconnected world community, no matter where we are, or who we are or what
social attitudes we embrace, because the most important question is: how can our
good online behavior impact the others? In fact, we must be good citizens not only in
society but also online.
 Principles of Digital Citizenship
 Make the best use of technology
You need to make optimal use of it and help others to stay up to
date with digital advancement in order to establish and promote
digital proficiency among as many people as possible in society.
 Keep your Personal Information Private
Beware of who you allow to access your information and in what ways. This
is one of the digital citizen skills and a basic principle of how to use the internet
safely.
Keep your personal information for yourself and don’t share them with
others, particularly your private credentials, geographic location, and bank
accounts. By sharing your information, you’re not only putting yourself at risk,
but also your family, friends, and close people.
 Always Behave Well
Ethics should be always observed whether in real life or in the virtual world.
So having good manners all the time will reflect your reality and make you a
decent digital citizen.
Some might think that communicating from behind a screen allows them to
compromise some of their ideals. No wonder cyberbullying, verbal harassment,
ridiculing, data theft, or stalking are widespread nowadays, which must be
totally avoided by digital citizens.
 Leave a positive Digital Footprint
The use of the internet and the extensive online participation can have positive and
negative effects, so it is important to leave good traces and to interact online in a useful and
fruitful way, whether with others in giving an opinion on a specific issue, or commenting
on a post, or participating in a discussion, or even in your online initiatives like introducing
a new idea or giving a digital presentation. This would reflect your behaviors and actions
even in the reality.
A Kaplan’s survey found that 35% of the college admissions officers said that they had
visited the applicants’ social media pages to discover more about them. So, the impressions
you convey are based on your digital participation and online interaction and might
impact an important decision in your life like being admitted to a college.
 Beware the Dangers of Strangers
One significant feature of digital citizens is that they support others and help
them build proper and sage digital knowledge, shut the door on cyberbullying
and verbal harassment against the ones you know and those you don’t know,
fight false information, stand up against any disrespect or harm and report fake
accounts and news.
 Spread Digital Literacy
If you’re a professional internet user and an active member of the online
community, you ought to promote digital literacy, spread the connectivity
culture, and introduce digital citizenship among as many people as possible in
the community.
This would largely contribute to getting familiar and keeping in touch with
future technology and this is one of the important characteristics that a digital
citizen should have so he could help other digital citizens in the virtual world to
be good.
The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
 The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
 Digital Access

Can all users participate in a digital society

at acceptable levels if they choose?

Digital access involves the ability to

connect with others or access information
using technology.
As a teacher, you can instruct students on
how to find valuable and safe information on
the Internet. You can also help children from
disadvantaged communities use computers or
other resources at school to increase their
digital access.
 Digital Commerce
Do users have the knowledge and protection
to buy and sell in a digital world?

Digital commerce refers to buying and selling

electronics responsibly. For the most part,
elementary students do not need to learn or
practice this element of digital citizenship.
For middle or high school students, however,
discussions around digital commerce can help
them learn how to be better consumers or
consider career paths related to digital sales.
 Digital Communication
 Do users understand the various digital
communication methods and when each is
appropriate?

The options that students have for

communicating online are greater than ever.
Text, email, social media, and online games
are all ways that children might digitally
interact with others.
For this reason, it’s important to teach
your students how to communicate safely
and effectively online
 Digital Literacy
Have users taken the time to learn about
digital technologies and do they share that
knowledge with others?

The definition of digital literacy is the ability

to learn how to use technology and access
information online. A few examples of digital
literacy include knowing how to use a mouse
or how to find answers on a search engine.
Not all students start school with the same
technological ability. Teaching Internet skills
in class can help bridge gaps in digital literacy.
 Digital Etiquette
Do users consider others when using digital
technologies?

Digital etiquette is just what it sounds

like: treating other Internet users with
respect and avoiding inappropriate
behavior.
For elementary students, one of the most
important digital etiquette principles is
understanding the consequences of
cyberbullying.
 Digital Law
Are users aware of laws (rules, policies) that
govern the use of digital technologies?

The online environment has room for both positive and

negative interactions. And just like in real life, there are
laws everyone should abide by.
Digital law deals with the legal rights and restrictions
governing technology use. Many online users are actually
breaking the law, either knowing or not knowing, from
identity theft to hacking into someone else’s email to
cyberbullying to downloading copyrighted music to using.
To prevent any kind of online crime, no matter how
serious, students as digital citizens need to know the law.
 Digital Rights and Responsibilities
Are users ready to protect the rights of
others and to defend their own digital
rights?
Like in any real society, the online world has its regulations. That
means that as a user one has rights, but also responsibilities.
There are rules and policies to follow that imply the possibility of
being held accountable for your actions and deeds in the online
world.
The Internet can also be used for harming purposes and anyone
using it needs protection structures against cyberbullying, for
instance.
Schools should approach this subject in class making the students
take responsibility for their actions and also recognize and report
any misconduct in the virtual environment.
 Digital Health & Wellness
Do users consider the risks (both physical
and psychological) when using digital
technologies?
We live equally as much in the online world as in the real
one, so the requirements and freedoms of the individual
in real life have to be extended to the digital world.
Everyone present in the online world has to contribute to
the well-being of a person online helping others in need.
Students should be taught to protect themselves and
others from possible harm and alert an adult if it’s the
case. Making use of online resources is a plus, but one
should be aware of the dangers that reside with this
benefit.
 Digital Security
Do users consider the risks (both physical
and psychological) when using digital
technologies?
Security in the online world is important since viruses
and worms can go from system to system and affect the
electronic devices we use.
Precautions need to be taken to guarantee their safety.
Moreover, when using devices in school or at home,
students have to understand the implications of it and
be aware of possible attacks.
Teachers should also explain how to prevent them from
happening and how to protect their devices. This is a
necessary skill in today’s digital world.
Ways to Promote Digital Citizenship
 Develop a Preventive Classroom Environment

Developing a preventive classroom helps reduce opportunities for students to engage in academically
dishonest endeavors. This begins with a clearly defined academic integrity policy that guides students in
appropriate digital etiquette and helps them become responsible digital citizens. In addition, a statement
regarding appropriate use of any mobile devices should also be included. For example, “Periodically in
this course you will be asked to use your mobile device for learning activities.
Only during the times identified by the faculty member is it appropriate for you to be using such devices.”
These policies should be reviewed with the students at the beginning of the course and periodically
thereafter.
Teachers should not assume that students know what constitutes academic integrity. They need models of
good practices and guidance on appropriate digital behavior. Therefore, illustrate how the policy works—
specifically what is and is not permitted. For example, students should not revise a paper that they found
on the Internet; use materials prepared by other students; borrow facts, statistics, or other illustrative
material without proper references; or use a mobile device during a quiz, exam, or test review.
 Increase Student Awareness

A variety of activities may be used to increase student awareness. The

activity should showcase the advantages and disadvantages of Internet
resources and how to responsibly and appropriately use the retrieved
information. Also, the faculty member could require students to cite
resources not only for written assignments but also digital and oral
presentations.  
To teach the proper citation format, Web links to tutorials and citation
tools can be listed on the course syllabus.
 Be a Good Role Model

Being a good role model demonstrates to the students that the teacher
is dedicated to promoting and upholding academic standards. Examples
of positive role modeling behaviors include citing sources used in lectures
and providing a reference list at the end of PowerPoint presentations.
In addition, good role models reduce opportunities to engage in
academic dishonesty. Perhaps most important, faculty members need to
address academic dishonesty when it occurs. Academic dishonesty has
consequences and student offenders should experience them.
 Pros and Cons of Social Media
Pros Cons
Keeps you connected with your friends Cyberbullying is increased
You can express yourself It can be a distraction to other important tasks
Quick communication
Privacy can be invaded
People can share ideas
People can hack into your account and deface it
It can bring people with the same interests together
Rumors spread very fast
You can express your opinion
People can pretend to be someone their not
Free advertising for yourself or a company
It is easy to find out personal information about people
Everything is in one place and is easily accessible
People can post things that aren’t true
People in different sides if the world a able to stay in
touch It can cause kids to not have good people skills
It is a good way to find out about breaking news or
other important events that are happening
 The Basics of Digital Citizenship:
27 Powerful Verbs to Guide Children Online
1. Use
- Determine if the source is credible and by whose 6. Sift
stand - Sift through the resources you have gathered online.

2. Engage 7. Seek
- Engage the world through social media. - Find different voices and points of view on a topic.

3. Respect 8. Include
- Respect others’ point of view. Accept what they - Include all who wish to join and invite others whose
say as meaningful and then explain why you disagree. participation could be valuable.

4. Give 9. Listen
- Give the author/creator credit for any use, remix - Listen to what others are saying.
or repurpose.
10. Research
5. Voice - Research a topic using a variety of credible media
- Respectfully voice your opinion through a sources and formats.
technological value.
11. Credibility 16. Disseminate
- Determine if the source is credible and by - Disseminate useful and credible information.
whose stand.
17. Network
12. Master - Network with experts in the field.
- Master the use of technology.
18. Identify
13. Create - Be diligent–identify scams, misinformation, spam
- Create a forum that can contribute to a sources, toxic people/communities, and other places and
platform in a meaningful way. people to avoid.

14. Participate 19. Cross-Reference

- Participate in other cultures through digital - Cross-reference all sources. Verify more than one
platforms-and do so with the empathy and additional source if possible.
understanding.
20. Use
15. Stand - Use caution when talking to people.
- Stand up against bullying and injustice when
it’s clear and you feel safe and empowered to do so.
21. Maintain
- Maintain you privacy.

22. Set
- Use privacy settings like log-in verifications.

23. Limit
- Limit your screen time.

24. Talk
- Talk to someone trustworthy.

25. Utilize
- Utilize proper manners, norms, common sense, and general “human” etiquette.

26. Access
- Only access technology when you are supposed to.

27. Explore
- Explore what other students are doing around the world. Have fun and embrace the possibilities
technology allows!
Now you’re a
Responsible
Digital Citizen!
 SOURCES
 "The Importance Of Digital Citizenship". Safespace, 2022, https://www.safespace.qa/en/topic/importance-digital-citizenship.
 Z, Diana. "The 9 Elements Of Digital Citizenship Your Students Need To Know [INFOGRAPHIC] - NEO BLOG". NEO BLOG,
2022, https://blog.neolms.com/the-9-elements-of-digital-citizenship-your-students-need-to-know/.
 "How To Teach Your Students The 9 Elements Of Digital Citizenship - Waterford.Org". Waterford.Org, 2022,
https://www.waterford.org/education/digital-citizenship-activities-and-tips/.
 "Promoting Digital Literacy And Citizenship In School". Ncsl.Org, 2022,
https://www.ncsl.org/research/education/promoting-digital-literacy-and-citizenship-in-school.aspx.
 "How Technology Can Improve Digital Citizenship In K–12". Technology Solutions That Drive Education, 2022,
https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2019/09/how-technology-can-improve-digital-citizenship-k-12-perfcon?amp.
 "Promoting Digital Citizenship Among K12 Students | Navigate360". Navigate360 - Navigate Modern Safety, 2022,
https://navigate360.com/blog-news/4-ways-to-promote-digital-citizenship-among-k12-students/.
 PhD, Meigan. "Promoting Digital Citizenship And Academic Integrity". Faculty Focus | Higher Ed Teaching & Learning, 2022,
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-articles/promoting-digital-citizenship-academic-integrity-technology-c
lassrooms/
.
 "Pros And Cons". Digital Citizenship, 2022, https://digicitizenship.wordpress.com/pros-and-cons/.