Digital Citizenship

Think before you Click. It Matters

Austin ISD supports the use of the Common Sense Education digital citizenship curriculum Links to an external site..

We know that one of parents' biggest concerns is Internet privacy and security, and Austin ISD takes privacy and security very seriously. BLEND is a closed environment that keeps students safe while they are learning online.

In a blended learning environment, teachers are weaving conversations about digital citizenship into their classes, encouraging students from the earliest grade levels to think about what it means to be a good digital citizen. From treating others with respect online, to understanding digital copyright laws, teachers and parents alike can help students understand that being a good citizen also means being a good digital citizen; the two are undeniably linked in our current day and age. 

As a parent, you also have access to many resources from Common Sense Media Links to an external site.. We encourage you to explore their resources and use them to help you have these really important conversations at home.

Here are some tips and resources to help you get started thinking about digital citizenship with your children. 

 

Digital Citizenship Tips for Families:

  • Use technology in a common space in the home, where everyone can see the screen. Keep students’ technology out of the bedroom.
  • Talk to students about telling you right away if they come across any information on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Immediately report cyberbullying and threats to school administrators or use the district reporting form:
    www.austinisd.org/technology/digital-concern Links to an external site.
  • Draft a family agreement about how you use technology. Here is one resource for creating family technology contracts: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/contracts Links to an external site.
  • As a family, determine your ideal amount of time for technology use, and learn to recognize when you are going beyond that agreed-upon time.
  • Recognize and manage digital distraction. Notice temptation to click from link to link online and help your student do the same.
  • Take regular breaks from technology to exercise or spend time outside.
  • Encourage students to pay attention to the people around them, face-to-face. Help them learn to set aside their devices when a face-to-face interaction might be better.
  • Follow the Austin ISD Acceptable Use Policy: www.austinisd.org/technology/help/policy Links to an external site.

 

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