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Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety

Students are using the power of technology to connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined. But concerns emerge from living in an online world, such as cyberbullying, media balance, digital footprint, and misinformation.

We see these as teachable moments. We believe that digital citizenship skills have become essential for students. That's why our schools are dedicated to helping students think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. 

The Parkland School District makes every effort to ensure a safe computing environment for our students. As mandated by the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), web content filtering is provided on all student Chromebooks, even when taken home. However, sheltering students from inappropriate Internet sites is not the complete solution. The most effective filter is knowledge and parental involvement.

Below you will find some of the best online resources for students to learn good digital citizenship & internet safety practices, and for parents to recognize how they can play a role in their child's safety & success online.

Common Sense District Recognition Badge

Common Sense Education

Common Sense Education is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

Parkland is a Common Sense District, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire community in this important discussion and supporting educators using technology for learning. The recognition acknowledges our district's’ commitment to providing safe and innovative spaces for students to thrive as they harness the full potential of technology for learning and life.
 
Noteworthy Common Sense Media Resources

  • Digital Citizenship Curriculum - The Nearpod lessons our teachers use to teach digital citizenship content are based off these materials.
  • Parent Tech Planners - Make Screen Time Safe and Positive. Use these planners to inspire conversations about tech use as a family. Entertainment and tech have the potential to spark meaningful conversations. And tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time.
  • Common Sense Parents Need to Know Blog - Featuring the "Parent's Ultimate Guide" series, and advice for parents on salient topics. 
  • Common Sense YouTube Channel - Featuring videos on current events, digital citizenship, news & media literacy, teaching strategies & more!
  • Keeping Your Students (and yourself) Safe Online
  • Understanding the Impact of AI on Our Kids - Generative AI is predicted to be the largest disruptive change we will experience in our lifetimes—even more significant than the internet. And while AI has the potential to provide enormous benefit, without the widespread adoption of responsible AI practices, it is equally capable of causing harm. In this rapidly changing environment, Common Sense is committed to creating clarity, trust, and understanding through our AI initiatives—including AI product ratings & reviews, AI literacy curricula, original research, and more.

 

NLP Logo

News Literacy Project

The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit building a national movement to create a more news-literate America. NLP is the nation’s leading provider of news literacy education. Some of our favorite resources they share are:

  • Get Smart About News - For everyone, a newsletter sent on Tuesdays throughout the year. Get the latest examples of misinformation and learn how to be a savvy information consumer.
  • RumorGuard Text Alerts - The RumorGuard alert gives you tools to push back against misinformation. Subscribe now to champion news literacy in your community!
  • News Literacy in the Age of AI - A hub of resources to help you make sense of how to navigate the emerging field of Generative AI like ChatGPT all while continuing to practice and hone your news literacy skills. 
  • Tips, Tools, & Quizzes - How news-literate are you? Test and sharpen your news literacy skills with short activities, engaging quizzes and shareable graphics.

Social Media Guides & Resources 

We thank the National School Public Relations Association for assembling the below Social Media resources.

Meta (Facebook and Instagram)

TikTok

Snapchat

YouTube

X (Twitter)

Other Resources for Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety

Digital Reputation Management
Many students are sharing large parts of their lives online, from their weekend plans to photos of their latest lunch. Right now, it may seem like you’re just chatting with friends, but what you’re really doing is laying the foundation for your online reputation. If the digital footprint you’re building now may last a lifetime, consider this: is it one you’ll be proud to share for the rest of your life? In more immediate terms, is your online persona one you’re willing to share with college admissions officers or future employers? If the answer is no, don’t panic. You’re not alone. Better yet, be prepared: there are steps you can take to build a positive online reputation while you’re still in high school.

FTC On Guard Online
Your privacy rights as set by government regulation, plus some very good advice for talking to kids about online safety (particularly an article names "Net Cetera" found in their Consumer Protection section).

Stay Safe Online
From the National Cybersecurity Alliance, this website has some particularly valuable resources in the area of theft, fraud, & cybercrime, and on securing key accounts and devices.

Parents Guide to Securely Storing Data on Computers and Portable Devices

Digital Citizenship Categories