What Is Digital Citizenship And Why Is It Important?

The Covid-19 pandemic led to business and school closures which increased technology use for telework and online learning. Technology use is continuing to rise and it is increasingly important to be knowledgeable about how to use it correctly. Digital Citizenship is a way for business leaders, educators, governmental workers, and advocates to understand how we should use technology appropriately. Dr. Mike Ribble believes it’s “more than just a teaching tool, it is a way to prepare students for a society full of technology”[9]. With the correct use of the internet, students and adults can be more aware of human rights violations and how to protect themselves from fraud and disinformation. This article will cover the topics of technology, the importance of digital citizenship, and its implementation in society.

What is the impact of technology on youth?

Technology has had an enormous impact on a student’s learning. For example, it allowed them to have easy access to a larger amount of resources, it encouraged self-paced learning, it prepared them for careers in the tech industry, it improved their multitasking and problem-solving skills, and it can be used as a classroom tool to help students learn in new ways. With the rise of technology, children have started to use it from a very young age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between the ages of 8-10 years old spend 8 hours per day on technology, while teenagers spend more than 11 hours per day[1]. Many kids have computers and tablets at home before they start school, but elementary schools also have the option of online learning because it provides more independence and flexibility to a student’s learning. Recently, due to school closures, many students reverted to online learning and that led to an increase in technology use. According to Pew Research Center, 93% of parents with children from kindergarten to 12th grade said their children had online learning during the pandemic[13]. Among these parents, 62% report that the online learning was very successful[13]. While young people have increased their use of technology in schools, they also spend a lot of their time on social media. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51% of teens between the ages of 13-17 use social media daily[15]. Social media platforms are often used as a news source by young people, so it is important to consider social media in Digital Citizenship Education. Concurrently, education also affects people's motivation to participate online. As students become more familiar with technology through their educational experiences, they are more likely to engage with digital platforms beyond just academic purposes. This increased engagement can lead to greater participation in online communities, discussions, and even activism, shaping not only their social interactions but also their role as informed digital citizens.