What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship refers to our online behaviours. A good digital citizen is someone who behaves appropriately and responsibly while using digital tools.

Why is it important?

We are citizens of many different communities, including those online, and need to understand how to behave appropriately in order to be successful members within these communities.  We can connect digital citizenship to character attributes. Honesty, integrity, responsibility, inclusiveness, cooperation and caring are qualities that we should demonstrate in the online world, as well as in the physical world.

The Waterloo Region District School Board strives to model and teach the safe, legal, ethical and responsible use of information, technology and resources, and expects all users to embrace the following conditions or facets of being a digital citizen:  respect yourself; protect yourself; respect others; protect others; respect intellectual and technological property; protect intellectual and technological property. 

What is your digital footprint?

Your digital footprint is your online reputation which is established through your online activity. This reputation can be either positive or negative.

Your digital footprint is created by:

• the things that you say on websites, social media, and any commentary that you post online
• the things that others say about you online
• other online data such as shopping, searches, etc.

Why is it important? 

It is important that you become aware and take control of your online reputation. Your digital footprint can affect your relationships and your future career in both positive and negative ways.

THINK before you post or share something. Ask yourself, is it True, Helpful, Inclusive, Necessary and Kind?

Responsible Use Procedure

Students follow the Responsible Use Procedure for Information, Communication and Collaboration Technologies, which outlines the appropriate use of the Internet and defines the appropriate behaviours.

The RUP provides a set of expectations for staff and students and applies to all information and technology in the WRDSB. These expectations align with existing procedures about general conduct in our schools. All resources and technology used in the board must be clearly in support of the goals of WRDSB.

 

*Staff: Check out the ITS Digital Citizenship site for more information and resources.

*Parents: Please see the WRDSB page on Digital Citizenship for more information and resources.