Children`s rights in the Digital World

With the recent celebration of America’s Independence Day, I have been thinking a lot about freedom and rights. As we teach our children the value of freedom in everyday life it is important to talk about what these mean in the digital world. As our children venture into the online world it is important for them to understand what their rights are while they are interacting with friends online or conducting research using the internet. Children must understand human, cultural and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

It is never too early to start talking to our children about being responsible in the digital world. This takes consistent and continuous practice.

Here are a few ways to remind children to be aware of their digital rights.

I will make sure I am safe and appropriate when I am online.

I will protect my private information and the information of others.

I will respect myself and others when I am online.

I will use kind words on social media and remember that my ‘digital footprint’ should not harm others.

I will stand up and say no to cyberbullying.

I will tell an adult if someone is being unkind or harmful.