Building RESPONSIBLE
Digital Citizens
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2ND GRADE
TECH talk
Talk Privacy & Passwords Kids at this age level can understand basic internet safety and the idea of being kind in online chats and discussions. For example, express the importance of only speaking kindly to each other in an online chat. With more students at this age level using online reading and math tools, teach them about the importance of a “strong” password. Share examples of bad ones and good ones and why it’s important to protect our identity.
3RD GRADE
Cyberbullying Students have already learned about being kind online, so they need to learn what a cyberbullying is and how to deal with one. Discuss what cyberbully may look like, how this can affect a student and the concept of proper online behavior. Create some classroom “norms” for conversations online and post them for all students to see. Think of the norms you see when you join a Facebook group-no foul language, no bullying-and adapt them to be age appropriate.
4TH GRADE
Rights & Responsibilities Digital rights are the idea that you can use the internet, and digital responsibility is what you do with that right. Explain the difference to students and ask them to come up with key ideas for how they can be responsible online.
5TH GRADE
Safety This is a key discussion that will help students, many approaching middle school, understand the types of people that may prey on children online. First, help students understand what types of dangers could be in their neighborhood (elevated stranger danger discussion) and then discuss how this is similar online, reinforcing the idea that in real life you can see a person and know if they are who they say they are, but online that distinction isn’t always clear or truthful.
KINDERGARTEN
Teach the Basics Teach students that protecting their identity is key. Let kids know they shouldn’t use their own picture to identify themselves, instead teach them what an avatar is and let them draw one of their own to use as their digital profile.
1ST GRADE
Define Digital Citizen A digital citizen is someone who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use the internet and other digital technology, especially in order to participate responsibly in social and civic activities. Review what being a good citizen with good behavior is in our communities and relate it to using technology. Do we look both ways when we cross the street? Of course! So, let’s make sure we are cautious when we are on the internet and only log on to age-appropriate sites. The same is true for usage-we don’t watch 10 hours of TV in a row, so let’s make sure we’re taking a break from being online too. 28
Maine Educator • September 2020
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Social Media Discuss the pros and cons of social media platforms. Make sure you are up to date with the ones students this age use- (hint-it's not Facebook). TikTok is big now, but these platforms change all the time, so ask students what they’re “on” and research these yourself. Turn this discussion into a true debate, where students take sides, prepare speeches and share with the school. Let the students decide, based on the arguments presented, if social media is “good or bad” and the best way to use each platform.
HIGH SCHOOL
Review Before students leave your school system, make sure they understand all the key issues around digital citizenship-the good, the bad and the ugly. Discussing these issues year-round is crucial to ensure students understand all the lessons and remember them every time they log on.
