Digital Citizenship: Digital Life 

This week, grades 9 and 10 will start a curriculum in Advisory about Digital Citizenship. The purpose of this is to help the students be responsible and safe participants in the online world.

The first activity looks at the place of digital media in students' lives. The students will look at some statistics, reflect on the importance of digital media in their lives, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of using digital media. Students will then reflect on their use of digital media and keep a log of their online activities.

Parents are encouraged to discuss this with their children, and ask about the program. More information is available on the Common Sense Media website, http://www.commonsensemedia.org. There is an introductory video online for parents – you can watch it online at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/video/modal/2098622 The key point is that “digital life” for our students is really just life. For them, there's no real distinction. For those of us who didn't grow up with cell phones, the
internet, etc. it's hard to understand, but for our students “digital life” is no different than “real life” - it's just a part (and a big one!) of it.

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