At the recent BSB 2024 Teacher Conference, I was privileged to engage in enlightening discussions with fellow educators about the pressing issue of digital etiquette—or netiquette—and its impact on our students. As we discussed this complex topic led by Confidence Osein, it became clear that the time has come for us to address the erosion of digital etiquette head-on. The line between online freedom and responsible behaviour has blurred, leading to the normalisation of actions that, if left unchecked, could have severe consequences for our society.
As we approach Digital Citizenship Education Week, it is the perfect opportunity to equip our communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to be responsible online. Educators, as the cornerstone of this movement, have a critical role in reshaping these norms before the damage becomes irreversible.
The Damaging Consequences of Ignoring Digital Etiquette
What may seem like minor lapses in online behaviour—such as posting someone’s photo without permission or recording conversations without consent—are symptomatic of a larger problem.
Here are some of the harmful behaviours that have unfortunately become commonplace:
Lack of Respect for Privacy
Privacy violations are rampant, with individuals posting personal details, conversations, or images of others without seeking consent. This disregard for privacy has a ripple effect, causing distress, reputational harm, and even security risks for those involved.
Cyberbullying and Public Shaming
Online harassment and shaming—whether through cyberbullying, public call-outs, or doxxing—are toxic behaviours that damage individuals and communities. The anonymity provided by the internet can embolden people to make harmful statements or spread false information without accountability. These actions can lead to devastating mental health consequences for the victims, often resulting in long-term emotional and psychological harm.
Doxxing
The practice of revealing someone’s private information online (doxxing) without their consent exposes individuals to serious dangers, including threats of violence, harassment, and stalking. Doxxing is a violation of privacy that can ruin lives and disrupt communities.
Normalising Digital Misconduct
We’ve begun celebrating or excusing digital misconduct in the name of transparency or calling out wrongdoing, but when unverified accusations, misinformation, or half-truths circulate, they often harm innocent people. In a world where sensationalism sells, the careful consideration of facts and the truth often falls by the wayside.
If we allow these behaviours to persist, the consequences will be far-reaching. Trust in online spaces will deteriorate, leading to more division, fear, and distrust. The very fabric of our digital society will unravel, and the internet—once a tool for connection and learning—will become a place of chaos.
Teachers as Agents of Change: The Role of Digital Citizenship Education
As teachers, we are the first line of defence in combating this growing issue. By promoting digital citizenship education, we can help our students understand the responsibilities that come with online interaction.
Here’s how educators can lead the charge during Digital Citizenship Education Week:
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- Teach Digital Consent and Privacy
Students need to understand the importance of consent in the digital world, just as much as in real life. Teachers should emphasise that no one’s image, video, or conversation should be shared without their explicit permission. Through classroom discussions and case studies, students can be shown the potential consequences of privacy violations and taught to respect others’ digital boundaries. - Promote Critical Thinking and Fact-Checking
In the age of misinformation, students must be taught the value of critical thinking and fact-checking before sharing or acting on information. Teachers can introduce students to trusted sources of information and teach them how to evaluate the credibility of online content. Encouraging a culture of patience and verification before reacting online is crucial in stemming the tide of digital misinformation. - Model Positive Online Behaviour
Educators should model respectful online behaviour in their own interactions—whether it’s how they communicate with students or how they engage on social media. By showing students that we practise what we preach, we inspire them to do the same. Teachers can also encourage students to create positive online campaigns, highlighting how the internet can be used as a tool for good. - Foster Empathy and Respect in Online Discussions
Online interactions often lack the personal cues that guide respectful communication in person. Teachers should emphasise the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in digital discourse. Encouraging students to think before they type and consider how their words might affect others can foster more respectful and constructive online communities. - Create Awareness About Cyberbullying and Doxxing
Teachers must inform students about the very real dangers of cyberbullying and doxxing. By showing examples of how these practices harm individuals, we can discourage students from engaging in or supporting such behaviour. Schools can create anti-cyberbullying campaigns, offering support systems for victims and establishing clear consequences for those who perpetrate harm online. - Encourage Positive Digital Footprints
Every online interaction contributes to a person’s digital footprint—a permanent record of their online actions. Students should be made aware that the things they post today could impact their future opportunities, from college admissions to job prospects. Educators can help students curate a positive online presence that reflects their best selves.
- Teach Digital Consent and Privacy
Seizing the Opportunity: Digital Citizenship Education Week:October 14–18, 2024!
Digital Citizenship Education Week is the perfect platform to drive home the importance of responsible online behaviour. Schools can use this week to launch awareness campaigns, host workshops on netiquette, privacy, and cyberbullying, and involve parents in discussions about managing digital behaviour at home.
Additionally, educators can partner with organisations like Common Sense Media to access resources that help in teaching these vital concepts. Activities like creating digital contracts, where students pledge to follow ethical guidelines online, can be an engaging way to instil these principles.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Digital Spaces
The digital world is here to stay, but the quality of our online spaces is up to us. Teachers, as digital citizenship ambassadors, are in a unique position to guide the next generation in building healthier, safer, and more respectful online communities. By seizing the opportunity presented by Digital Citizenship Education Week, we can make a lasting impact and prevent the normalisation of digital misconduct.
Together, we can ensure that the internet remains a place of learning, growth, and connection—rather than a minefield of toxic behaviour. Let’s teach our students to be not just participants in the digital world, but ethical, informed, and responsible citizens of it.
Resources Added
For more information and tools to facilitate discussions on digital citizenship, we have added resources for Digital Citizenship Education Week, including lesson plans, activities, and best practices for fostering respectful online interactions. Let’s empower our students and our communities with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age!
2024 – Digital Citizenship Week Calendar – Elementary School (K-5)
2024 – Digital Citizenship Week Calendar – Middle School (6-8)
2024 – Digital Citizenship Week Calendar – High School (9-12)
