Digital Citizenship
Made by: Hamza Saqib Rashid
What is a Digital Citizen?
A Digital Citizen is a person who utilizes technology regularly and effectively. Being a responsible digital citizen is key as it will definitely impact your future. Approximately 33% of the people around the world use the internet, BUT do they use it responsibly?
5 Responsibilities of a Digital Citizen
Don't Share Personal Information
The internet is like a huge playground, where you get to meet a variety of people, BUT are all of them your friends?
Although many websites have a set of Terms and Conditions which would prevent Cyberbullying, it ultimately depends on the user to protect themselves.
- Don't share your personal information with a stranger.
- Don't post unnecessary content on social media websites.
- Block messages from people you don't know.
- If someone is bullying you, always tell your parents or an elder.
Beware of Cyber Predators
Almost every social media website has an abundance of cyber predators. They usually target people who express their emotions online. Your responsibility is to make sure that you don't get carried away and talk to such people. They will have you in their trap before you even realize what happened!
Following Proper Netiquette Rules
Always be respectful when talking to people online! Try to follow these rules:
- Think before sending a message.
- Avoid using sarcasm.
- Never type in all caps.
- Don't talk about someone's personal matter on social media.
- Dont post pictures of someone without their permission.
- Refrain from arguing online.
Reporting Offenders
Being a responsible Digital Citizen requires you to respond to digital offenders. If you come across an offender you should immediately report him/her to the website management, or to a proper legal authority.
Digital Health and Wellness
There are several physical and psychological dangers of using technology. The best way to avoid such problems is to restrict the use of technology.
Physical Problems:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Eye strain.
- Poor posture.
Psychological Problems:
- Internet addiction.
Digital Citizenship amongst Teens
A recent survey revealed that teenagers and young adults spend more time on the Internet than watching TV. 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and 80% of those online teens are users of social media sites. This shows that our youth is using too much technology, and the best way to end this problem is to educate teens regarding Digital Citizenship. This can be done by teaching our youth about Digital Citizenship at school or at the public library. Parents should also take responsibility of educating their children about using the internet safely.