How to be a Digital Citizen?

      We live in a world where the Internet has become a massive part of our everyday lives. It is used for work, education, learning new skills, connecting with friends and family members, and many other purposes that can make our lives more comfortable. Although the Internet has made our lives easier, keeping up with its growth can be challenging. And what I mean exactly is that the digital world is more than people think, and the actions performed in it have real-life consequences.

      Because technology is so dominant in our schools, we often worry about preventing cyberbullying, disruptions, distractions, and plagiarism.

    We, as teachers, have a responsibility to educate young internet users on how to use the Internet positively and safely. Here are some critical points every teacher should highlight regarding the Internet so that the students are Good Digital Citizens:

• Don't steal

      With the presence of ready information about unlimited topics students look for on the Internet, it is vital to be aware of plagiarism which means copying others' words without giving credit might result in a criminal violation punishable by law. Teaching students about how bad it is to steal, copy, or even play with someone else's words can negatively influence them. Even though the Internet permits us to read and surf but that's only to help, assist and give us additional data about what we are looking for.

• Always be nice to others.

     No matter how much kindness we see on the Internet, that does not cover the wrong side. That's why it is essential to deal with people kindly and nicely because no one knows what others are or may pass through. Instead of assaulting or bullying someone on the Internet, use it contrarily, encouraging and supporting them. Students need to know that they have to treat each other with the same respect online as they do in person. Remind them that the comments or posts they write affect others, even if it's just a joke or unintended. So, before posting anything, they should ask themselves: How would I feel if this post was about me? 

• Be aware

       A typical factor of the Internet is that people can lie easily without us knowing, and that's to steal personal information, take something from us, etc., and then threaten us later on, which is very dangerous. As teachers, we have to convince, teach and open our students' eyes about this problematic aspect because it can lead to terrible consequences.