Digital citizenship encompasses the skills and knowledge needed to use the internet and digital technology responsibly, emphasizing social norms, copyright laws, and online safety. It involves practicing good netiquette and maintaining academic honesty, while preparing for the future and bridging the digital knowledge gap. Resources like teacher librarians and learning commons can further support users in becoming responsible digital citizens.

1. How to Be a Responsible
Digital Citizen
By Alex Noudelman

2. What is Digital Citizenship?
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”. [source: dictionary.com]
In order to be a responsible digital citizen, all technology users must have a good
understanding of the:
• Social norms and rules of the internet
• Copyright laws
• Ways to manage online presence and properties
• Ways to protect themselves from online threats
• Diseases and health problems that affect digital users
• Free and paid resources being made available to them digitally

3. 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
Image Source: Edutech4teachers.edublogs.org
Text source: DigitalCitizenship.net

4. Why Learn about the Elements of Digital
Citizenship?
✓It proactively prepares us for the future;
✓It helps close the growing gap in digital knowledge– we are
embracing new technologies without know how to legally and
correctly use them;
✓ It’s enables us to model and demonstrate good character using real-
life practice;
✓ It is important for maintaining academic honesty and responsibly
using the internet without infringing on the copyrights of other users;

5. 10 Core Rules of Netiquette
1. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Everything you
write online is read by humans, like you, who deserve to be online just as
much as you do without being disrespected, bullied or violated.
(Character Trait: Respect)
2. Respect the copyrights of other users in cyberspace. Someone spent a
long time producing their content. When you borrow something from
someone, give them the credit. Consult their terms of use agreement
and/or the Creative Commons to see if they grant you permission.
(Character Trait: Respect, Honesty)
3. Keep a clean reputation! Always check for spelling and grammar
errors and be polite and respectful. Avoid posting content that you would
not show your parents or grandparents. (Character Trait: Honesty)

6. 10 Core Rules of Netiquette
4. Avoid excessive use of sarcasm and humour (emoticons). Remember
the person on the other end cannot read your facial expressions and body
language. Your message can be easily misinterpreted if left vague.
(Character Trait: Respect)
5. Be patient with newbies. Put yourself in their shoes. You were a newbie
once yourself. If someone makes a mistake, offer them constructive
feedback/criticism. (Character Trait: Empathy)
6. There’s no such thing as staying anonymous. Be truthful when creating
profiles. Avoid creating profiles on sites that do not meet minimum
eligibility requirements. (Character Trait: Honesty)

7. 10 Core Rules of Netiquette
7. Think before you click. Never click on links from people you do not know or
vaguely know. A responsible digital citizen will never ask you for your password or
personal information. (Character Trait: Responsibility)
8. Avoid accessing password-protected websites in public areas with free internet.
Internet access in public areas are not secure. (Character Trait: Responsibility)
9. Use good passwords (with letters, numbers and special characters) on all
accounts and devices. The two most important account passwords are for your
social networks and your email accounts. (Character Trait: Responsibility)
10. Log off websites after each use. This will prevent a friend or sibling from posting
or emailing using their account--even as a joke. (Character Trait: Responsibility)

8. Important Reminders about the
Learning Commons
• Your teacher librarian is your go-to if you have any questions about responsible digital citizenship.
• Have a question about internet use and whether an app or tool is appropriate for your project?
Use the learning commons as the foundation of your inquiry. See your teacher librarian about
sharing the information you learned.
• The learning common is a hub for networking and information access where all members of the
school community are invited to collaborate, explore conjectures and learn new things, such as
new technologies. We are all learners, so do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know!”
• Sharing is caring! Help others become experts in subject areas or improve productivity by creating
how-to guides, FAQ pamphlets and Wikis. Help make the learning commons a resource-rich place
for everyone!