This week is Digital Citizenship Week, a perfect time to focus on making smart, safe, and positive choices online. At Forest Meadow, we want our Chargers to practice good digital citizenship every day to help them shine both now and in the future.
Why Digital Citizenship Matters
Every time you post, share, or comment online, you’re creating your digital footprint — the trail of information that shows up when someone searches your name. Colleges, employers, and even scholarship committees often check digital footprints to learn more about applicants. A positive digital footprint can open doors, while careless posts can close them.
Tips for Staying Safe and Positive Online
- Think Before You Post: Ask yourself, “Would I want my teachers, family, or future employers to see this?” If the answer is no, it’s better not to post it.
- Protect Personal Information: Never share private details like your address, phone number, or passwords online.
- Be Respectful: Treat others online the way you want to be treated. Avoid mean comments or sharing rumors.
- Use Privacy Settings: Adjust your social media accounts to limit who can see your posts.
- Report Problems: If you see cyberbullying or anything that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult or use school resources to report it anonymously.
- Build a Positive Presence: Share your achievements, interests, and kindness. Your positive posts help you stand out for all the right reasons.
Conversation Starters for Parents
- “What kinds of things do you like to post or share online?”
- “How do you decide if something is okay to share?”
- “What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly or bullied online?”
- “Do you know how to adjust privacy settings on your apps or accounts?”
- “What does a positive digital footprint mean to you?”
Resources for Parents
- Common Sense Media – Digital Citizenship – Guides and tips to help families navigate the digital world.
- NetSmartz – Parent Resources – Tools for talking to kids about online safety and responsible use.
- StaySafeOnline – Family Safety Tips – Practical advice for protecting privacy and security online.
- Forest Meadow School Counselor’s Website – reporting and support services for students experiencing cyberbullying.
Forest Meadow’s Commitment
Our school community supports digital citizenship through education and resources. We encourage all Chargers to be thoughtful, respectful, and safe digital users. Together, we can create an online world that reflects the best of who we are.
Let’s use Digital Citizenship Week as a reminder to build a positive digital footprint that makes Forest Meadow proud every day!
