Digital Citizenship

These nine elements and their core questions form the backbone of Digital Citizenship and the creation of a digital citizenry. All users of technology must act, as well as teach others in appropriate ways. These should be the duties of all digital citizens.¹

1. DIGITAL ACCESS: full electronic participation in society. Can all users participate in a digital society at acceptable levels if they choose?

2. DIGITAL COMMERCE: electronic buying and selling of goods. Do users have the knowledge and protection to buy and sell in a digital world?

3. DIGITAL COMMUNICATION: electronic exchange of information. Do users under- stand the various digital communication methods and when each is appropriate?

4. DIGITAL LITERACY: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology. Have users taken the time to learn about digital technologies and do they share that knowledge with others?

5. DIGITAL ETIQUETTE: electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Do users consider others when using digital technologies?

6. DIGITAL LAW: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. Are users aware of laws (rules, policies) that govern the use of digital technologies?

7. DIGITAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Are users ready to protect the rights of others and to defend their own digital rights?

8. DIGITAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. Do users consider the risks (both physical and psychological) when using digital technologies?

9. DIGITAL SECURITY (SELF-PROTECTION): electronic precautions to guarantee safety. Do users take the time to protect their information while taking precautions to protect others’ data as well?

¹ Mike Ribble, Digital Citizenship in Schools, 2nd ed. (Washington, DC: International Society for Technology in Education, 2011), 11.