This document summarizes Larry Magid's talk on digital citizenship delivered at a National PTA conference. Magid discusses how the concept of online safety has evolved from early concerns about pornography and predators to issues like cyberbullying, reputation management, and digital citizenship. He emphasizes teaching digital citizenship skills like security, privacy, resilience and kindness. Magid believes the best protection for youth is for them to develop critical thinking skills to make good decisions, rather than relying solely on parental controls. He outlines ConnectSafely's work in consumer education, resources for schools, and advocacy to encourage thoughtful policymaking around digital issues.

1. Digital Citizenship Redefined
By Larry Magid
Co-director
ConnectSafely.org
Talk delivered at the National PTA
Conference, Austin, Texas
June 20, 2014

2. Evolution of online safety since 1994
Porn
Predators
Sexual abuse images (child porn)
Cyberbullying
Reputation management
Digital citizenship
Security
Privacy
Resilience & self-respect
Understanding not all are equally
vulnerable
Kindness
Thriving – positive outcomes

3. Of course there are risks in
life, so…

4. Who can best protect youth?

5. Or young people themselves?

6. Ultimately, the best filter runs
between the child’s ears, not on a
device
Protection that lasts a lifetime
Training wheels for young kids

7. How you treat others affects your risk
* EU Kids Online +Internet Safety Technology Taskforce
“Among those who do not bully
others, being bullied is relatively rare
8% offline only, and 4% online”*
“Youth who engage in online
aggressive behavior by making rude
or nasty comments or frequently
embarrassing others are more than
twice as likely to report online
interpersonal victimization.” +

8. Avoid Fear & Exaggeration
Encourage honesty, calm discussion & social norming
Caution only works if it’s believable and actionable

9. Social norms approach
• People emulate how they think their peers
behave
• If people think their friends don’t smoke,
they’re less likely to smoke.
• Same is true with over-eating, excessive
alcohol use and other negative behaviors,
including bullying*
*Assessing Bullying in New Jersey Secondary Schools: Applying the Social
Norms Model to Adolescent Violence: Craig, Perkins 2008

10. What is a “Citizen”
“A person who legally belongs to a country
and has the rights and protection of that
country”
“An inhabitant of a city or town; especially :
one entitled to the rights and privileges of a
freeman.”
(Merriam Webster online dictionary)

11. What is a “Digital Citizen”
“…There is a basic set of rights extended to every digital
citizen.
• Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc.
• Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and
understood in the digital world. With responsibilities as
well.
• Users must help define how the technology is to be used
in an appropriate manner.
• In a digital society these two areas must work together
for everyone to be productive. ”
#7 of the “Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship” by Mike
Ribble

12. And so, Digital Citizenship includes:
• Access to digital tools in and out of
school
• Respect from others: including teachers
& other adults
• Respect for others
• Self-respect
• Commitment to community
• Freedom to be unique

13. What we do at ConnectSafely
• Consumer education: Parents, teens
and general public
• Resources for schools
• Safer Internet Day
• One Good Thing
• Blogging, broadcasting and media
appearances
• Education for policy makers
• International work

14. Research-Based Tips & Articles

15. Guides

16. International & US Policy
• Work with Internet Congressional Caucus
• Work with other non-profits around the world
• Congressional testimony & advice
• Participate in national & regional forums
• Have worked within US states
• Participate internationally in Internet Governance
Forum & other global forums
• Opening Washington DC Office – Fall 2014
Goal is to encourage rational and thoughtful
policy that avoids unintended consequences

17. Safer Internet Day
2014 Theme: Teens and Tech Leaders on Building a Better Internet
ConnectSafely is the designated US Host of Safer Internet Day.

18. Safer Internet Day 2014
Youth panel Industry panel
Senator Chuck Schumer

19. Safer Internet Day Partners

20. Safer Internet Day 2015
Tuesday
February 10, 2015
In Silicon Valley with
remote participation
from schools across
the country

21. One Good Thing
• Texting a kind message to a friend who
was sad
• Helping a grandparent figure out
Facebook
• Getting a bunch of parents together
and teaching them about how to use
social media safely
• Creating a pile-on of kindness for
someone who was getting harassed or
cyber bullied
Coming soon: www.OneGoodThing.org

22. Thank you
Larry Magid
www.ConnectSafely.org
larry@connectsafely.org