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Digital Citizenship » Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship

As students begin to use technology and the internet in school, at home, and in every facet of their lives, helping them become good digital citizens is essential. It will not only keep them safe online but it also will help them understand the norms of appropriate responsible technology use. 
 
Student Responsibilities
 
Follow the rules
  •  Follow all school and class rules for using technology
  •  Act responsibly to all—both online and face-to-face
  •  Collaborate in positive ways that help you learn
  •  Use technology to support an inclusive school community
Stay Safe
  • Only use accounts that belong to you.
  • Protect passwords—don’t share them with others
  • Don’t automatically save passwords on school devices
  • Don’t give out personal information online without your parent’s permission
  • Have permission from a parent before meeting anyone in person that you have met only online
 
Take care of things
  • Respect and care for both:
    • Student work (yours and your peers)
    • Devices
 
Parent Responsibilities
 
Make sure your child acts responsibly. This includes knowing and understanding the Discipline Code,  Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP), and Social Media Guidelines for Students 12 and Younger or 13 and Older.
  • Keep track of your children's online use when they are not in school—including mobile apps, online games, and other social media
  • Share values with your children and talk with them about what is—and is not—acceptable online behavior.
 
 
     Our Digital Citizenship curriculum for grades K-5 covers appropriate online behavior, responsible use of social networking sites, and cyberbullying.  We use the NYCDOE approved curriculum- Common Sense Education (K -3) and Be Internet Awesome(4-5). Through engaging lessons, discussions and online activities, students are encouraged to think critically and participate responsibly while using technology and the Internet.
 
     In grades K-2, lessons are taught by the classroom teacher. The focus in kindergarten is how we use technology to communicate and communicating kindly. In first grade, we teach children about screen time and consider ways to balance on and off line activities. In second grade, we explore the internet and consider what is private and what is safe to share.
 
     In 3rd grade, students begin by discussing what it means to be a good digital citizen and create a pledge that establishes expectations for themselves and their classmates related to appropriate online behavior. Next, students discuss the power of words online and generate solutions for dealing with hurtful online behavior, including cyber bullying. Students then learn about privacy and digital footprints, and complete an activity that addresses what information is unsafe to share on the Internet. Finally, students learn about what makes a strong password and how they can use passwords to protect their private information online. 
   
     In grades 4-5, students begin by examining their online responsibilities and learn about good online habits and behaviors. Next, students work together to recognize some of the key differences between in-person bullying and cyber bullying, and identify strategies for dealing responsibly with cyber bullying. Then the class reflects on their current digital footprint and thinks about what they would like their digital footprint to be in the future. Finally, students learn about the importance of keeping personal information private and the potential dangers of online communication. 
 
Please also see:
 
NYC Department of Education Digital Citizenship Guidelines:
 
*Students are expected to demonstrate positive behaviors in alignment with the Department of Education’s Citywide Behaviors to Support Student Learning 
 
On the right, you will be able to find a guide to some of the many online resources available to parents  who are thinking about how to understand and manage their child’s technological exposure.