What size is your Footptint?

In this current life we live, almost every individual has a digital footprint. With that being said this pushes them into the world of digital citizenship, how they interact with others within the realm of social media and the digital world.

I think as educators, it is important for us to be aware that these children in our class most likely already have this digital footprint and through this, they interact with others within social media, games, discussion boards ect. With this being said, as educators it is our job to give children the proper resources and tools to succeed throughout their life. As the majority of what we do as a society is online now. Supplying children with these resources to help them navigate the digital world is just as important to include within our classroom curriculum.

By incorporating the 9 elements of digital citizenship, throughout our daily activities in the classroom. We can further enhance the structure, and community as a whole with the children in our class.

With this being said; I personally believe that number six on Ribble’s list, being digital Health and Welfare is a topic that is extremely easy to weave throughout the health curriculum, such as;

USC9.2

Analyze how the well-being of self, family, community, and the environment is enhanced by a comprehensive, community approach to safety.

Giving children the chance to analyze how the use of “technology provides many opportunities and enjoyment, but knowing how to segment use with the needs of ourselves and other is key to a healthy, balanced life.”  (Ribble, 2003) Giving the children a chance, to explore positive approaches to their use of technology in regards to their mental health.

In addition to this, we as educators also have the responsibility to continue the topic among digital laws. According to Policy Planning Guide,

 “students are involved in sexting or sharing nude or partially-nude photos; if the image is of someone under 16, sharing it can be considered distribution of child pornography, even if the image is of the sender him or herself. While such outcomes are still much more common in American legal cases, a recent case in British Columbia led to a teenage girl being similarly charged after texting nude photos of another girl, suggesting that such a precedent may apply in the Canadian context as well.”

Due to this the correlation between the rising mental health crisis that is faced within the school system, can also be attributed to the awareness of the digital laws put in place. Reinforcing the idea that the digital world can be used both effectively and enjoyably, as long as we use the steps in placed to keep us safe.

Thanks for reading!