Tips for Digital Citizenship Week
In a world where technology is ever-present, Digital wellness and citizenship have become increasingly important. As an online TK-12 school, California Pacific Charter Schools recognizes that the skills and values associated with digital citizenship are paramount to our online students’ success and well-being.
As we kick off Digital Citizenship Week, October 16 to 20, 2023, we want to highlight the importance of responsible, ethical, and secure online conduct for our students and their families. This week is a chance to ensure that our students not only excel academically but also navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for the 21st century.
Digital Citizenship Week aligns with the spirit of the California Department of Education’s (CDE) Mental Health Support Initiative, emphasizing the responsibility to strike a digital balance for people of all ages! The CDE encourages everyone to engage in conversations and activities that promote digital wellness and cyber resilience. It’s about recognizing the importance of striking a balance between our digital lives and our well-being. To help you navigate this digital world safely, here are some tips for parents and students:
Tips for Parents
As a parent, guiding your child to become a responsible digital citizen is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you promote digital wellness in your family:
Set Screen Time Limits:
Establish clear guidelines for screen time. Balance is vital; as an online school, your child will need to be on their CalPac-provided Chromebook for portions of the day, but the flexibility of our program allows for your student’s days to be broken up into digestible portions. Ensure your child is not spending excessive hours in front of screens outside their dedicated schoolwork time. Encourage them to engage in other activities like outdoor play, reading, and face-to-face interactions.
Discuss Online Etiquette:
Teach your child about the importance of online etiquette, including respecting others’ privacy, avoiding cyberbullying, and promoting kindness in their online interactions. Online Etiquette is a key component of everyday interactions at CalPac – our teachers and staff ensure students are held to the highest standards when interacting with their fellow students and our CalPac staff.
Monitor Online Activities:
While CalPac carefully monitors the use of our CalPac-issued Chromebooks every student receives in order to complete their coursework, parents must play that role when it comes to their child’s personal devices. Be aware of your child’s online activities, social media presence, and the websites they visit. Consider using parental control software to help you manage and monitor your child’s online activities. These tools can assist in setting time limits and filtering content. Open and honest communication is vital to address any concerns or issues that may arise. Have conversations with your student about their online safety and let them know your expectations.
Educate Yourself:
Stay informed about the latest digital trends and online platforms your child is using. Understanding their digital world will help you guide them effectively. Stay informed about common online threats, such as phishing scams and malware, and take steps to safeguard your online presence. If you ever need extra support, feel free to reach out to our CalPac counselors with questions.
Model Personal Digital Safety:
It starts with adults setting an example. Parents, teachers, and mentors should model personal digital safety for students. This includes using strong passwords, being cautious about sharing personal information, and demonstrating how to recognize and avoid online threats.
Tips for Students
Students, you play a vital role in shaping your digital footprint and ensuring your online experiences are safe and responsible. Here are some suggestions:
Protect Your Personal Information:
Be cautious about sharing personal information online. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and school name. Always double-check the authenticity of websites and applications that ask for personal data.
Recognize Online Threats:
Learn to identify common online threats like phishing emails (fraudulent email that is designed to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive or personal information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other confidential data), suspicious links, and scams. If something seems too good to be true or feels off, it’s essential to consult with a trusted adult!
Seek Help When Needed:
If you encounter online harassment or bullying, don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted adult, teacher, or school counselor. Our CalPac staff takes online harassment and bullying incredibly seriously, and we are here to support you and ensure your online experiences are safe and enjoyable!
Go Forth and Stay Safe!
As we celebrate Digital Citizenship Week, remember that digital wellness and citizenship are not just buzzwords but essential life skills! It’s about balancing our digital and real-world lives and staying safe and respectful online.
Throughout the year, not just during this designated week, we encourage parents and students to embrace the principles of digital citizenship. Together, we can create a digital world that is not only safe but also filled with meaningful, responsible, and enriching experiences.
To learn more about digital citizenship and access additional resources, visit the California Department of Education’s Digital Citizenship web page. Join us in supporting digital citizenship with balance and safety every day!
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This post first appeared on Online School Grades 6-12 In California | CalPac, please read the originial post: here
