Digital Citizenship is how a person who participates in the online world behaves.

In this guide, it implies GOOD digital citizenship, or “the ability to navigate (our) digital environments in a way that is safe and responsible and to actively and respectfully engage in these spaces.” (MediaSmarts)

This points out two essential skills: safe and responsible navigation (digital and media literacy) and active and respectful participation (netiquette).

Positive Technology Use | What does it mean to be a digital citizen? MediaSmarts

Why is digital citizenship important?

We all live in the digital age. Whether learning, working, getting services, or finding entertainment – being online is part of everyday life. In fact, digital presence has become so essential that school administrators and employers may view a lack of a “digital footprint” as unusual or even suspicious.

A digital footprint is the trail of data you create while using the Internet. This does not only include your online posts or social media likes. It also includes the websites you visit, emails you send, what other people may have said about you online, and all the information you send to online services. Your digital footprint is forever. Everything you do online leaves a trace that can be retrieved even if you decide to delete a post or an email.

This is why we should all learn about digital citizenship. When we know how to be a good digital citizen, we can participate in the digital age safely and productively.

What does it actually mean to be a good digital citizen?

Good digital citizenship requires:

1. Protecting your privacy

   A good digital citizen understands the importance of keeping personal information secure. This means using strong passwords, enabling privacy settings, and being careful about sharing sensitive details online. Knowing how data is collected on websites and awareness of cybersecurity threats are also important. Other wise, we can be vulnerable to identity theft, frauds, and scams. To get more tips about protecting your online privacy, read: protecting your privacy online.

2. Thinking about your footprint

   Having a good online persona is important because your digital footprint is forever. An online persona is how people see you online. Building a positive online persona is important because it can affect your reputation, relationships, and even career opportunities. To do this, always be mindful of what you post, share, or comment on. It can have long-term consequences for you even offline.

3. Know copyright and creative rights

   There is so much information online! The amount we create increases exponentially each year. Because of this abundance and how easy it is to get information, we sometimes forget to think about who owns what we consume (and their rights). A good digital citizen knows how to properly credit creators, avoid plagiarism, and use resources ethically. This includes understanding licenses, such as Creative Commons, and seeking permission when using someone else’s work. Read Avoiding plagiarism: How to write your papers with honesty and integrity to know best practices when using online information.

4. Empathy and community-building

   Empathy is needed in interactions online. Being aware of how your actions and words affect others helps build positive online communities. This means avoiding harmful behaviors like cyberbullying, trolling, or doxing. A responsible online citizen also reports inappropriate or harmful content, and supports others in digital spaces. Practicing kindness and respect makes the internet a safer and more inclusive place.

5. Responsible use of tools and personal time

   Balancing online and offline activities is key to your mental health and well-being. Good digital citizens use technology responsibly, ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than take away from their lives. This involves managing screen time, avoiding over-dependence on devices, and engaging in activities that promote mental and physical health.

Sources: What is digital citizenship? Media Smarts; Interesting Facts on Digital Footprint and Reputation, Priyanka Gupta, Ed Tech Review; and 11 important skills that every digital citizen should possess, Banzai!