DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Social networking sites have changed the way we communicate and share information, but this has profound effects on kids. At home and in school, students should be given the opportunities to figure out what it means to be digital citizens.

These sites are not going anywhere, so parents must teach their kids at home what is age appropriate, what should be kept private and what to do to avoid cyberbullying. They can block access to the internet, but this can be counterproductive because there is potential in using the worldwide web, too.

Parents can moderate sites, but they should also allow kids to be empowered as digital citizens. Parents and kids need to develop guidelines in using the internet together.

Some sites provide ways for kids to connect with each other and to express themselves, but somehow remain unchecked. This may be too much for young children because they cannot handle the complexities of social networking sites and may create angst. This is why there is a need to guide them and teach them in online use.

Parents and teachers become fearful of this unchecked communication with others because of the way they behave with others online. There is a danger of social and emotional damage they receive from their peers every day.

As adults, we need for kids to learn that the moment they start posting on Facebook or any other social media site, they create their digital footprint – and that everything they post from then on is a reflection of themselves as the public sees them. — oOo— The author is Teacher II at Sta. Cruz Elementary School, San Simon District, Pampanga