Digital Citizenship- A Timely Topic for Reflection

Digital Citizenship has proven to be a very timely and relevant topic in my life. When I recently replayed the ETMOOC session on Digital Citizenship, I found it very interesting and pertinent. A few days after the session, I had planned to upgrade my iPhone and give my 13-year old, free-spirited, somewhat impulsive son my old iPhone. This would be his first phone that would be capable of ruining his life is he did not receive guidance and guidelines around it’s safe and responsible use. To be honest, I was not completely certain he was responsible or mature enough to handle this technology appropriately. However, I saw this as an opportunity to remind my son of being responsible in the online space.

It would be necessary to remind him of the incredible power of the technology soon within his reach. Boundaries would be set and rules would be followed. In more ways than one, there would be no second chances. Once the send, deliver or post button is hit, what is typed, posted or entered lives forever and permanently with potential to affect his future opportunities.

The discussion of digital citizenship and responsibility started on the way to the phone store. I had the pleasure (?) of being accompanied by three other 13-year olds. The four 13-year olds were in the car, texting and talking, being loud and annoying and loveable all at the same time.

One of the boys attends BC High as a seventh grader. I started asking some questions since he was the only one interested in having an adult conversation where I could regurgitate what I had just learned via ETMOOC.  He told me how it was required that every student rent or purchase an iPad. He went on to tell me that all the books were on the tablet, all assignments and homework were delivered and completed on the iPad. I asked him about the responsibility of such a powerful tool. Are students reminded of that immense responsibility?  I was encouraged to learn that the students are reminded constantly of the rules around being a good digital citizen. This boys Dad told him, “don’t put anything out there that you wouldn’t want your grandma to read.” A good rule of thumb. A simple message that anyone can understand. It was an interesting discussion. He went on to tell me that the school should somehow block games since he sees many students playing games during class. Sounds like a motivated learner.

Alec’s session reminded me of some things that children and adults cannot hear often enough. What is posted lives forever, even if  deleted or taken down. I reminded my son not to write anything online that he wouldn’t say face-to-face. He was reminded to be a nice, caring person online just as he should be face-to-face. The same rules apply.

I was left thinking about a potentially problematic situation around digital citizenship. I considered that if some fundamental basic social behaviors are not yet developed in a child, the introduction of technology into their lives too soon could be disastrous for many people. The basic foundation of good citizenship must be developed and nurtured prior to technological tools being added to the child’s toolbox.