Although the internet has been around for many generations, digital citizenship has yet to be recognized or known by many. Digital Health and Welfare is an essential aspect of digital citizenship, whether in a personal or professional setting. We hear of persons suffering from sleep deprivation, pain in their neck or posture, and vision strain (Johnson, 2023). For an individual, there has to be discipline and timed use of technology, or it could cause severe health concerns, antisocialism, and depression.
Whether playing Candy Crush on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, most children rely on their parents’ devices as soon as they get in the car (Waterford.org). Understanding digital health and welfare is not just for the parents. However, the parents should be teaching the children to not only be responsible but also as a protection against harmful influences. Applications such as Digital Citizenship App and Webonauts Internet Academy assist educators, parents, and school behavioral therapists with the techniques to teach digital etiquette to students.
Digital Citizenship App helps with “videos, games, and quizzes to teach students online safety, how to address cyberbullying, and the ethical use of online content” (Lynch, 2017). Whereas Webonauts Internet Academy teaches younger students “netiquette and internet safety, through PBS Kids for an interactive display of Digital Citizenship” (Lynch, 2017).
As technology advances utilizing emerging technologies, digital citizenship has to be the roadmap to prevent potential abuse and unhealthy practices, whether intentionally or otherwise (Waterford.org). Digital citizenship provides students with the devices to participate in the technology field, which produces a healthy environment.
Thank you.
References:
Nine Elements (digitalcitizenship.net)
Waterford.org. (2019) How to Teach Your Students the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship. How to Teach Your Students the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship – Waterford.org
Lynch, M. 2017. 8 Must have Digital Citizenship Apps, Tools, and Resources. The Tech Edvocate. 8 Must Have Digital Citizenship Apps, Tools, and Resources – The Tech Edvocate