Navigating the Digital World: Empathy in Action
Digital Citizenship Week is recognized in the month of October. Read on to learn how to support your student's digital citizenship.
Just as students are taught to be safe, responsible, and respectful on the playground, the same holds true for their digital learning. Knowing that students have so much information at their fingertips and that this information comes so quickly, Campbell Union is utilizing Common Sense Media's lessons to ensure that students are being responsible digital citizens.
Campbell Union was recognized as a Common Sense District in 2024 for facilitating these student lessons and engaging families. These experiences help us teach students how to navigate the online world—from using social media respectfully to understanding the concept of a permanent digital footprint. Our goal is to empower students not just to be safe from technology, but to be smart, ethical, and effective users of technology.
What Does Digital Citizenship Look Like?
Digital citizenship is more than just internet safety; it’s about making good choices online. Our lessons focus on key skills that help students thrive:
- Practicing Digital Empathy: Learning to communicate with kindness and respect, and understanding that words online can be just as hurtful as words spoken face-to-face. It’s about "thinking before you click or type."
- Managing Your Digital Footprint: Understanding that everything they post, share, or like creates a public, lasting record. We teach students to curate an online presence that reflects their best self.
- Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: Giving students the tools to stop and question the information they see. Is the source credible? Is this "fake news" or a reliable fact? This is a vital skill in the age of rapid information sharing.
- Protecting Privacy and Security: Teaching students how to guard their personal information, create strong passwords, and recognize scams like phishing.
A Partnership for Parents
We recognize that digital citizenship is a partnership between school and home. Common Sense Media offers exceptional, age-specific resources for families. We encourage you to visit their Family Resources Website for:
- Device Management Tips: Advice on setting family rules and limits around screen time.
- Media Reviews: Ratings and reviews of movies, games, apps, and websites to help you make informed choices.
- Conversation Starters: Guides to talk with your child about tough topics like cyberbullying and online safety.
We look forward to a successful year of helping our students grow into thoughtful, responsible, and informed digital citizens.