There is an urgent need to address and mitigate the risks associated with widespread use of ICT while simultaneously taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by these technologies. The concept of digital citizenship helps teachers, technology leaders and parents to understand what children, students and users of technology should know to use technology appropriately and responsibly. The proactive approach of digital citizenship education could foster a favourable environment to encourage responsible and safe use of ICT among children and youth with support from schools, teachers, parents/guardians, policymakers, industry leaders and other key stakeholders.

Young digital citizens need to equip themselves – from early years and with ample support from those around them – with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to take advantage of the opportunities and be resilient in the face of risks. There is a clear need for specific training on the risks related to ICT use, not only for young people but their guardians (parents and teachers) as well. A core competency of digital citizenship should address how to use these technologies in an ethical, safe, and responsible way...

Learning to be an effective digital citizen is not something that happens if we don’t actively teach it... And preparing a generation of effective digital citizens is the most important thing we can do to ensure our democracy for the future.

Since our students are using technology to play, learn, and communicate while at home and at school, they should be learning how to use that technology responsibly. Full integration of digital citizenship and media literacy curriculum materials into every class and every content area — at every grade level — should be the goal to meet this need.