IMG_3893

IMG_3898What are the positive characteristics of good digital citizens?

A list of DOs:

  • Be mindful of what you do on the Internet. Remember that you are always leaving a digital footprint. What do you want your footprint to say about you? What would you want a future college or employer to see?
  • On social media sites, think about your permission settings and who you want to be able to see what. But know that nothing is really private once it gets online.
  • Being online is a privilege. Use it wisely. Respect the rules of any online groups to which you belong. Report individuals who are breaking the rules. Do this not to get them in trouble, but to protect the community.
  • Stand up for your friends when you are online. If you see someone bullying online, be an ally and tell them to stop. Try to help others instead of doing nothing or worse making fun of them.
  • Be mindful of the feelings of others. Give positive feedback so that you can be a helpful member of your online communities.
  • Don’t use bad or offensive language online.
  • Respect people’s (and your own) privacy online. Don’t post personal or identifying information about yourself or others.
  • Be responsible for your actions online. Always be yourself and not another person.
  • Post things that are useful and important. There is already enough garbage on the Internet.
  • Think before you do. Check/read all posts, emails and texts before sending them out. Think about how you would feel if you were the one receiving that message. Check what you write and make sure it’s kind and thoughtful before you hit send. If it’s not, don’t send it.
  • Only do things online that you are allowed or have permission to do. Go on websites that are appropriate for your age (use Google SafeSearch, tell someone if you end up on a site that seems like it is for older users).
  • Be respectful of others comments and choices online. Be positive, nice, helpful and thoughtful when posting or responding to things online. The world doesn’t need more haters. Compliment good work and give constructive feedback if you are asked to.
  • Seems like a no brainer, but make sure that you are fully clothed in pictures that you post online.
  • Use the Internet as a learner tool.
  • Don’t believe everything that you read see on the Internet.