Insights: Being a good digital citizen

Today’s students are known as digital natives — born after the widespread adoption of digital technology that started in the 1990s. Many people assume that these digital natives are born with a complete understanding of how to use all technology skillfully. 

Assuming that students are completely competent users of all of the evolving technology tools and systems is a mistake. Many students have high levels of competency at using digital apps on their phones, but that doesn’t always translate to skillful usage of the wide range of computer applications. That requires exposure to a variety of technology tools and regular practice. Technology is still a learned skill.

It also doesn’t mean they have the good judgment for social media interaction. Just because they know how to use the tool, does not mean they know how to use it appropriately, but they can learn.

Responsible social media use 

Almost all students use social media. A survey by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 90% of teens, ages 13-17, have used social media, and 75% have at least one active profile. http://bit.ly/2L3QvkO

It’s not surprising to find that teens are socially active online. The surprising part, for them at least, is the controversy they create with impulsive or ignorant posts. 

Many students have lost job offers and college acceptances over posts with racist or sexist comments and photos of illegal activities, such as drinking. They may regret the immature or unwise post, but they still face long-term consequences because the internet keeps a permanent record. 

Being a good digital citizen

Social media isn’t going away, and it has benefits for social connection, networking, online learning, and more. But it also poses risks to children through cyberbullying, self-esteem issues and safety. 

Parents should understand the risks and take charge of their children’s online presence to help them be responsible. Start with digital citizenship lessons. Digital Citizenship is the practice of using the internet and technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Smart Social (www.smartsocial.com) is a good source of internet safety tips for parents. The site has tips for parents to help their children become good digital citizens. 

Privacy recommendations
Students should start cautiously, beginning their online presence with full privacy settings and gradually expand their public presence:

Ages 0-13 – Initially, kids should have an entirely private online presence. This is a legal requirement through the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), which protects the private, identifying information about children under 13.
Ages 14-15 – Start having a family discussion regarding what should be public.
Age 15 – Consider posting some positive images and volunteer photos on social media.
Age 17 – Colleges should be able to find a positive online footprint for your student.

Discuss online content with your child
Parents: Go through all of your child’s past social media images.
Delete inappropriate images or posts that may not represent your child’s current maturity level.

Teens (with parents’ permission): 
•	Consider creating a LinkedIn and YouTube account under your real name. These will positively impact your digital footprint.
•	On your YouTube and LinkedIn accounts, add links to websites where your achievements are featured, such as a school website, or team sports website.
•	List school, hobbies, awards and sports accomplishments in your account descriptions.
•	Highlight volunteer and extracurricular activities. 

Before posting anything online, ask yourself:
•	Will this post help (or hurt) my chances of my dream college accepting me to my dream major?
•	How would I feel if this post was shown publicly to my peers, neighbors, or to my relatives?

Keeping your own child safe is only part of digital citizenship. It is equally important for students to treat others with respect online and to stay safe. 

Schools are reinforcing these messages and many have additional opportunities for safety lessons related to online activities in remote learning. 

Reminders include zero tolerance for cyberbullying, safety rules for personal information and passwords, treat your classmates and teacher with respect, show up prepared to learn and do your own assignments. 
See sample digital citizenship poster from Salem-Keizer Public Schools: https://leslie.salkeiz.k12.or.us/digital-citizenship-document

Common Sense Media tips for parents

It is difficult to keep up with fast-changing technology. Common Sense Media is a useful site for parents, covering updates and issues in media and technology that can help you stay up-to-date.
www.commonsensemedia.org
Digital citizenship topics: www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/digital-citizenship