Digital Citizenship
Counselor's Corner Special Edition
Digital Citizenship Week (October 19- October 23)
This year more than ever, we are all digital citizens.
Being a digital citizen is all about taking ownership of our actions and using technology responsibly and respectfully. During Digital Citizenship Week, and all year long, we encourage kids how to learn, create, and participate responsibly in the digital world.
This is a huge undertaking so we ask that parents monitor their child's use on digital devices and assist your child with being a responsible and respectful digital citizen. You can begin by asking these questions:
- How can I create a healthy social media balance in my life?
- How can I keep my private information safe?
- How can I create a digital footprint that I am proud of?
- How can I communicate kindly, build positive relationships, and stand up to hate?
- How can I think critically about the things I see, create, and share?
Monday's Message
What is Digital Citizenship and why is it important?
1 - Information Literacy
2 - Cyberbullying Prevention
3 - Online Safety
4 - Digital Responsibilty
5 - Health & Emotional Wellness in the Digital World
Tuesday's Tidbit
Respectful and Responsible Digital Literacy
While the word "literacy" alone generally refers to reading and writing skills, when you add the word "digital" before it, the term "digital literacy" means so much more.
Sure, reading and writing are still very much at the heart of digital literacy. But given the new and ever-changing ways we use technology to receive and communicate information, digital literacy also encompasses a broader range of skills that require respectful and responsible behavior.
While traditional writing is something most kids are used to doing in school, digital writing is generally intended to be communicated with others. And with electronic devices at their fingertips, that makes it very easy to do.
Digital writing is a powerful lever for social good, allowing students to "actively participate" in society. It also makes digital writing a potentially dangerous tool based on decisions about when and what to share online. If not careful, digital writing can have repercussions for a student's safety, privacy, and reputation.
For that reason, learning about appropriate internet behavior is also a part of digital literacy. We ask that student T.H.I.N.K. before they post. Ask yourself, is the information you are posting TRUE? HELPFUL? INSPIRING? NECESSARY? KIND?
If it is not, then it is probably something you should not post.
Wednesday's Words of Wisdom
What is a digital footprint and why does it matter?
Pay attention to the way you communicate on social media because it will establish your online reputation - how you are remembered and how others may view you. Often times, we make decisions without T.H.I.N.K.ing through the possible consequences first. Poor decisions can lead to years of complications down the road.
So no matter what you do online it’s important that you know what kind of trail you’re leaving behind, and what possible effects it can have for your future plans, goals, and dreams.
Thursday's Thought
The Internet can be dangerous, if you are not careful.
With hacks, scams, malware and more, the Internet can feel like a dangerous place these days. And, the increased number of digital devices, from smartphones and tablets to Internet-connected appliances, has opened us up to even greater risks. Not just that, but people who use the internet with bad intentions know that this is an easy place to reach kids.
But the good news is that by taking just a small handful of security measures we can greatly reduce our exposure to all these threats.
Here are some tips to help you get started: