These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global consultancy firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.
Overview
In the delivery of this resource your students will explore what is meant by the term ‘digital citizen’. They will also examine what rights they have online and consider which individuals and organisations have responsibility for ensuring those rights are protected.
In the second half of the resource students are introduced to real-life examples of how digital technologies have been used to bring about positive change. Students are also challenged to consider how they can use technology in a positive way.
This resource is written for use with 11-14 year old students, over two-hours.
“A brilliant and much needed resource.” Citizenship Teacher, St James’s Church of England High School, Bolton.
This resource could be delivered face-to-face in the classroom or virtually via a platform such as Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. Where the resource is being delivered virtually a Word version of all the student activities has been provided in the ‘student workbook’.
These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global consultancy firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.

- See our other free teaching resources.
- Read more about why we should teach citizenship.
- Look at our subscription based resources and citizenship experiences.
More Lessons resources
More than One Friend
In this lesson about friendship, pupils will follow the story of Digby who is upset when his best friend Anna starts spending a lot of time with someone else. Pupils…
Relationships and the Law
During this lesson pupils explore the concept of marriage and civil partnerships focusing on the fact that they are a legal commitment between two people and what this means. Pupils…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Social Media and the Law (KS4) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of these offences. Finally, students…
Social Media and the Law (KS3) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of committing these offences. The…
What is Media Bias?
During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Magna Carta
During this lessons pupils will look at the history of the Magna Carta and consider how it has helped shape the laws we have today. Pupils consider what ‘fairness’…
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
You Decide! (KS4)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
We are Change-Makers (poster)
We stand up for what we believe in and use our voice for good. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.
Citizenship and the Wider World
During this lesson pupils consider what it means to be a global citizen and what rights and responsibilities come with this. They consider a range of global issues; analysing…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
Mock Trials Classroom Pack
The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…