# data[].attributes.headline
What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

# data[].attributes.subject
What does it mean to be a digital citizen?

# data[].attributes.body
Being a digital citizen means being a person that has access to the internet and leaves behind a "digital footprint."

Everything you post or say online stays online forever.

Talk to and treat people online how you would in person.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why is it important to teach students to be a good digital citizen?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why is it important to teach students to be a good digital citizen?

# data[].attributes.body
Now more than ever, technology and access to the internet are more easily available to anyone. Technology usage in the classroom has only got more prevalent so it is important students understand the importance of what they post or say on the internet.

Students need to understand that even though they are behind a screen, everything they do on the internet can have impacts that spread far beyond what just happens on the internet. Internet safety is just as important as physical safety but it is rarely as acknowledged.

Teaching students how to be responsible online can reflect how they act in person as well. If we teach them how to respect others online and to be careful with their words and actions the same can be applied to their lives in the real world too.

# data[].attributes.headline
Having access to the internet is a privilege not a right.

# data[].attributes.subject
Having access to the internet is a privilege not a right.

# data[].attributes.body
Most importantly, students need to understand that the opportunities they are granted to utilize the technology in the classroom are ones that many kids may not have. With this privilege to access the internet's vast expansion of knowledge and answers, one must appreciate and be grateful for this gift.

This privilege comes with responsibilities students must abide by. That is why it is important to emphasize the significance of having these resources.

# data[].attributes.headline
What can I show my kids so they understand?

# data[].attributes.subject
What can I show my kids so they understand?

# data[].attributes.body
An activity to get students to commit to being responsible, good digital citizen would be to have them sign a pledge!

1. Give each student a paper with questions full of yes or no choices regarding what it means to be a good digital citizen and whether they would commit to doing so.
2. Once students have filled yes on all of the answer choices have them sign it at the bottom.
3. Students will then right their own pledge or motto for being a good digital citizen on another handout that looks nice and professional. They will sign this too.
4. As the teacher I can sign it as well to acknowledge they have done the pledge and contract.
5. I will have students keep the contract sheet in their folders/binders/ notebooks to serve as a reminder that they took an oath to be good digital citizens.
6. The written pledge may be hung on the wall for all to see so they really have to consider their choices when they see their oaths right in front of them everyday.