Digital Citizenship: Digital Footprint

A digital footprint is a record of everything and individual does online, including the content they upload.  Online, information can migrate, persist, and resurface years later.  Discuss with your children the risks of sharing information online and thinking critically about what they choose to post and share about themselves online.

Read the Family Tip Sheet: Help Kids Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly to learn more.  Leave a positive digital footprint and share your story on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags: #LifeReadyWillard #digcit. 

Digital Citizenship: Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is repeated and unwanted mean or hurtful words or behavior that occurs online.  Sadly, most kids will encounter cyberbullying.  Experiences range from minimal and easily forgotten incidences to situations that have long-lasting effects.  Stay involved in your kids' lives, both online and off, so you can step in and offer help if necessary.  

Read the Family Tip Sheet: Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying and Other Mean Online Behavior to learn how to dodge the drama and stand up for others. Share your story with others on Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtags: #LifeReadyWillard #digcit.

Digital Citizenship: Device Free Dinner Challenge

Does tech have a place at the table?  Quality conversations at dinner time are very important for connecting as a family, and devices at the table may hinder conversations.  The Family Dinner Project has some resources to help you manage this. 

Take #DeviceFreeDinner Challenge and share your story by posting on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtags: #DeviceFreeDinner #LifeReadyWillard #digcit.

Digital Citizenship: Finding Balance in Media and Tech

Technology and media are everywhere.  Instead of watching and playing, encourage kids to create their own content. Keep media and tech use in check by following a few simple practices such as limiting screen time and establishing expectations. 

Read the Family Tip Sheet: Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives for 5 tips.  Share your story by posting on Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtags: #LifeReadyWillard #digcit

Join us in Celebrating Digital Citizen Week

In today's digital world, raising and educating young people is an exciting and challenging task for parents and schools.  Working together we can raise a generation of kids to become smart, responsible, and respectful digital citizens.

Please join us in celebrating Digital Citizen Week.  Digital Citizenship is the practice of navigating the digital world safely, responsibly, and respectfully.  Each day this week, we will provide information that you can use to guide your child through the digital world.  Please join the conversation by posting on Facebook or Twitter, sharing your digital citizenship stories, and using the hashtags: #LifeReadyWillard #digcit.

The Common Sense Media website provides a wealth of information for parents on navigating the digital frontier including: family guides, answers to parenting questions, revies and recommendations for games, movies, books, etc. See our Digital Citizenship webpage for more resources.