Digital Citizenship

Keeping Students Safe in a Digital World

We may think of our kids’ online, mobile, and technological activities as “digital life,” but to them it’s just life. In their world, being able to connect and communicate 24/7 from just about any location is normal. Phones aren’t simply for phone calls anymore, but for listening to music, sending texts, filming videos, snapping and sharing photos, and accessing the Internet. Our kids are using computers and tablets to socialize, stream video, and create movies and songs. And they can connect and communicate any time from just about any location.

Why Does Digital Citizenship Matter?

At Powell Elementary School, we want our students to make good decisions so they can take advantage of the powerful technology that fills their lives both at school and at home. But in order to make good choices, kids must know how the digital world works. The stakes are high because our kids’ technological abilities can be greater than their maturity and judgment. Having unrestricted access to information and people can result in gaining a wealth of information and experiences. But it can also mean accessing inappropriate content and exposure to risks such as:

Cyberbullying
Inappropriate texting
Digital relationships
Compromising their privacy
Establishing a damaging Digital Footprint

That’s why Powell has partnered with Common Sense Media to provide resources, tips, videos, and other materials to help parents and teachers keep our students safe in the digital world. Click on the Family Tips link in the navigation panel to view and download helpful information on how to encourage your children to become responsible digital citizens.
 

2023-2024 Powell Digital Citizenship Vision Statement

Colin Powell Elementary School will create a culture of responsible digital citizenship for faculty, staff, and students. We will inform our school on the importance of digital citizenship through respecting, educating, and protecting self/others as we connect to the digital community. Respecting self/others includes proper etiquette and following rules of what is appropriate.  Educating self/others includes understanding what is allowable through activities that provide greater access to technology, resources, and people around the world.  Protecting self/others includes responsible and safe use of technologies for the health and well-being of our faculty, staff, and students. Teachers will implement technology rich lessons and provide opportunities for student led learning through active and project based learning.