Digital citizenship is becoming a very important aspect in our classrooms. It is crucial that we as educators envelop a positive enforcement of what digital literacy is and how we can use technologies for good rather than the negative. I mean, at this point in time, children seemingly have a better concept of the internet that I do! But they may not know about all of the in’s and out’s that go along with using the internet. It is important that we as educators demonstrate the amazing world of technology but in a safe environment and also educate our students on the potential dangers of what the internet has to offer. 

There are so many important lessons to be learned within the within the world of digital citizenship. A resource I came across had a great visual of the nine lessons that are to be taught to children about digital citizenship, which was very informative and showed how relevant technologies are in our world today (pictured below).

(Picture : Stuckwisch)

When looking at digital footprint, I resonate it with what choices we make on the internet leave behind a digital trail. Whenever we search on google a question, watch a video on youtube, or make an Instagram post we are leaving a digital footprint that is always there (even if we delete our evidence). It is important that students “understand that their online identities can influence their real-world life. Schools, employers, and law enforcement could potentially use a student’s digital footprint when judging their character. [It is important to] encourage students to learn about the risks they [can] face each time they log onto the Internet.” (Team, G.) Our relationship with the Internet in some say identifies us with our reputation, when we are on the internet it is important to think of the potential consequences that could occur and question if we are making the right choices.

Here is another informative infographic describing the “10 Things to Know Abut Digital Footprints”  (Morris) 

It is important that we as educators stay up to date with the world of technology, so that we can protect and educate our students on the benefits and negatives that the world of digital citizenship has to offer. 

Resources :

Team, G. (n.d.). The Digital Footprint in the Classroom & Beyond | GoGuardian. https://www.goguardian.com/blog/understanding-the-digital-footprint

Stuckwisch, B. (2022, March 24). 9 lessons to teach children about digital citizenship. Safe Sitter®. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://safesitter.org/digital-citizenship/

Morris, K. (2018, June 12). Teaching Kids About Digital Footprints And Online Reputations. http://www.kathleenamorris.com/2018/06/12/digital-footprints/