Citizenship in the Digital Age Infographic

Citizenship in the Digital Age Infographic

The digital age has introduced various challenges. Today’s students face a wide range of difficult issues that previous generations never had to think about (social media, cyberbullying, cybercrime, internet addiction and online privacy concerns). Teachers, school leaders and parents are called on to add a whole new idea to the curricula: digital citizenship. Many of the hallmarks of any good citizen from being respectful and responsible to doing what’s right - are key elements of digital citizenship as well. But students must learn how to apply these tried and true qualities to the realities of the digital age. The Citizenship in the Digital Age Infographic presents how the characteristics of a good citizen parallel — and differ from — those of a good digital citizen.

Characteristics of a Good Citizen

A good citizen:

1. Advocates for equal human rights for all.
2. Treats others courteously and never bullies.
3. Does not steal or damage others’ property or persons.
4. Communicates clearly, respectfully and with empathy.
5. Actively pursues an education and develops habits for lifelong learning.
6. Spends and manages money responsibly.
7. Upholds basic human rights of privacy, freedom of speech, etc.
8. Protects self and others from harm.
9. Proactively promotes their own physical and mental health.

Characteristics of a Good Digital Citizen

A good digital citizen:

1. Advocates for equal digital rights and access for all.
2. Treats others with respect in online spaces and never cyberbullies.
3. Does not steal or damage others’ digital work, identity or property.
4. Makes appropriate decisions when communicating through a variety of digital channels.
5. Uses digital tools to advance their learning and keeps up with changing technologies.
6. Makes responsible online purchasing decisions and protects their payment information.
7. Upholds basic human rights in all digital forums.
8. Protects personal information from outside forces that might cause harm.
9. Proactively limits health risks of technology, from physical to psychological.