Digital Citizenship in a Virtual World

From a child’s screen time and internet safety to plagiarism and online gaming, digital citizenship casts a wide umbrella. All in all, digital citizenship is using technology and the internet appropriately and safely to promote healthy online communities that can benefit us all. And as technology continues to innovate, so does the potential for misuse.

As a cyber charter school, we understand the importance of equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to act appropriately in a rapidly evolving digital world. That’s why PA Distance is a Certified Common Sense School and serves as a symbol of dedication and commitment to helping students think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate in the world around them. 

Our Common Sense-certified teachers and staff introduce the importance of digital citizenship to students at a young age and continue teaching the research-backed K-12 curriculum throughout high school. Each lesson takes on real challenges, timely topics, and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to take ownership of their digital lives. 

It is important for our students to engage in digital citizenship throughout the school year and as they enter the summer months. Below are some tips that parents can use to help continue their education after school ends for the summer:

Media Balance & Well-Being

• Tips for Managing TV Shows, Videos, and Apps with Young Kids
• Ages 0-2
• Tips to Help Your Family Use TV, Phones, and Tablets in Healthy Way
• Ages 3-8
• Tips to Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives
• Grades K-5
• Grades 6-12

Privacy & Security 

• Tips on How to Help Boost Kids' Safety, Privacy, and Security
  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-12

Digital Footprint & Identity 

• Tips to Help Kids Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly
• Grades K-5
• Grades 6-12

Relationships & Communication

• Tips to Help Kids Make Friends & Interact Safety Online
• Grades K-5
• Grades 6-12

Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech

• Tips to Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying and Other Mean Online Behavior
• Grades K-5
• Grades 6-12

News & Media Literacy 

• Tips to Help Kids Spot Fake News and Decode Media Messages
• Grades K-5
• Grades 6-12

Working together, schools and families can prepare tomorrow’s successful and impactful citizens of our global community to think critically and use technology in positive, creative, and powerful ways.

Additional Family Resources:

• Sense Tech Balance text message program for 3-8 year-olds
  • Receive no-cost text message tips about how to practice healthy media habits at home with your family!

• Family Media Agreement
• Ask your child to agree to practice digital citizenship and breathe easier knowing they recognize the importance of being safe online
• Additional Educational Articles and Literature 

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About PA Distance Learning Charter School

Since 2004, PA Distance has been providing a welcoming virtual learning environment for students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania. Students at PA Distance engage in a blended environment that combines “synchronous” and “asynchronous” learning. PA Distance’s mission is to empower students to own their learning, grow, achieve, and succeed through the use of evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices as we build positive relationships in our online environment with all students, families, and communities.