What is Cybercitizenry?

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I'm drafting out a cybersafety policy for TCS.

It's not an easy task. The policy should apply to everyone involved with the school. That means the whole school community.

A mission of involvement:

I've drafted a sheet to introduce students and parents to what cybercitizenry is all about. It's the start of our mission to involve the whole school in being more responsible on the Net. It will be printed on one side of an A4 sheet. The sheet will also show the Hector's World logo that I am not permitted to display here.

Have a scan of it. Tell me what you think by putting your comment at the base of this post. I need your advice on this first introduction:

Things you must know about Cybercitizenship:

Young people find lots of different things when viewing the Internet using digital equipment. While a lot of this can be fun, helpful and useful, some of it may upset them or cause distress.

What is Cyberspace?

Cyberspace is made up of the parts of the Internet that can be seen with digital tools. Students using it can learn. They may also find entertainment there. As well, people can meet others there. Links can be made between family and friends. They can find information there on almost any topic.

What is Cybersafety?

Cybersafety is the safe and responsible use of digital tools and gadgets that can access the Internet. These include mobile-phones, digital cameras and webcams. Each day, New Zealand children are exposed to the benefits, and potential risks of cyberspace.

Even young children may be skilled in the use of digital tools. But they may not know how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.

Everyone has the right to be safe. Adults share a special responsibility for the safety of children in this new space.

What is Cybercitizenship?

Anyone who goes online is a citizen of cyberspace. Young people learn to find their way round cyberspace in many ways. But they must also learn the basics of good behaviour as cybercitizens.

Cybercitizenship is more than just knowing how to get on to the Internet. People need skills to think about things found there, as well as knowing how to look after personal data. They must learn to think of others and act in a responsible way to other cybercitizens.

Learners need to know how to deal with things that might be risky. Young people are more able to get the best from the digital equipment when they follow the rules of cybercitizenship.

Remember:

A learner who may seem to know how to use the Internet may not have all the know-how to be cybersafe.


For more on cybersafety, check out http://www.netsafe.org.nz/.

To learn about helping the very young online, check out

http://www.hectorsworld.com.

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