October 14-18, 2024 is Digital Citizenship Week, a time dedicated to promoting safe, ethical, and responsible use of technology. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) is proud to support our educators, students, and families with a wealth of resources to enhance media literacy and cyber safety across all grade levels.
Spotlight on California Department of Education Resources
We are pleased to feature resources from the California Department of Education (CDE), which partners with Common Sense Education to provide thoughtfully crafted materials tailored to specific grade levels. These resources aim to help students build healthy habits with media and technology.
Common Sense Lessons for All Grade Levels:
- Elementary School (Grades K–2 and 3–5):
- Middle School:
- High School:
We encourage educators to incorporate these lessons into their schedules during Digital Citizenship Week.
Join the Digital Citizenship Conversations
In addition to the curated resources, the CDE is hosting daily conversations highlighting various themes throughout Digital Citizenship Week. These sessions are an excellent opportunity for educators, administrators, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue about student well-being and technology.
Schedule of Events:
- Tuesday, October 15
- 12–1 p.m.: Student Well-being, Online Safety, and Behavior
- 4–5 p.m.: Equitable Approaches to Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines
- Wednesday, October 16
- 12–1 p.m.: Student Well-being and Technology: Smartphones
- 4–5 p.m.: Opening the Dialogue for Ethical AI Policies
- Thursday, October 17
- 12–1 p.m.: Student Well-being and Digital Literacy
- 4–5 p.m.: Collaborative AI Guidelines: Engaging School Communities
Please consider participating in these insightful conversations to enhance our collective understanding and practices around digital citizenship.
Understanding the Importance of Digital Citizenship
In today’s digital age, our students are more connected than ever. They navigate a complex online world where information is abundant, and interactions are instant. Recognizing the critical need for digital competence, California passed Senate Bill 873, focusing on equipping students with essential skills in media literacy and digital citizenship.
Media Literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. It empowers students to critically assess media messages, identify credible sources, recognize biases, and produce responsible content.
Digital Citizenship involves understanding the norms of appropriate, responsible, and healthy behavior in the digital realm. It encompasses skills like responsible use, ethical behavior, safety and privacy, and respectful engagement with others online.
Our Commitment to Enhancing Media Literacy and Cyber Safety
The Santa Cruz COE is dedicated to fostering these crucial skills in our students. We have curated a comprehensive list of resources tailored to different grade levels to support educators and families in this mission.
For Educators: Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship Resources
- Elementary School
- Common Sense Education: Digital Passport: Interactive games teaching internet safety and respectful communication.
- BrainPOP: Digital Citizenship: Animated videos on online safety, cyberbullying, and digital etiquette.
- Cyberwise: Engaging tools and guides for teaching digital literacy.
- Middle School
- Media Smarts: Lessons on online privacy, digital health, and critical thinking.
- Common Sense Education: Digital Citizenship Week: Activities focusing on responsible online behavior.
- NetSmartz: Age-appropriate resources on online safety and cyberbullying prevention.
- High School
- PBS LearningMedia: Media Literacy Collection: Tools to critically analyze media messages and ethics.
- NewseumED: Media Ethics and Bias: Lesson plans on ethical considerations and biases in media.
- ISTE: Digital Citizenship in Education: Frameworks guiding students to be responsible digital citizens.
Cyber Safety: Resources for Families
Ensuring online safety is a collective effort. We provide resources to help families create secure digital environments at home:
- Guides and Tips
- Protecting Children Online – California Attorney General
- Protecting Kids Online – FTC Consumer Advice
- Cybersecurity Awareness Program Parent and Educator Resources – CISA
- Parental Support
- Common Sense Education: Parenting tips on media and technology.
- Guides on social media basics for elementary to high school kids.
- Parents’ Ultimate Guides to platforms like Discord, YouTube, and Snapchat.
Join Us in Promoting Responsible Digital Engagement
This Digital Citizenship Week, we invite educators, students, and families to explore these resources and engage in meaningful conversations about media literacy and cyber safety. By working together, we can empower our students to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly.
How You Can Participate:
- Educators: Integrate these resources into your lesson plans and encourage discussions about digital ethics and safety.
- Students: Take the initiative to learn and practice responsible online behaviors.
- Families: Utilize our guides to support your children’s digital experiences at home.
Building a Foundation for the Future
By embracing media literacy and digital citizenship, we’re not just teaching our students to use technology—we’re preparing them to be thoughtful, informed participants in a digital society. Let’s make this Digital Citizenship Week a stepping stone toward a safer, more responsible digital future for all.
Visit our EdTech & Innovation page to access all the resources and learn more about our programs.
For more information or support, please contact us at edtechtrailblazers@santacruzcoe.org.