Resource

What is a Digital Citizen?

Back in 2017, the Children’s Commissioner published the Growing Up Digital report. It noted that whilst the internet is an extraordinary force for good, it was not designed with children and young people in mind. Yet one third of all internet users are under 18, with the average 12-15 year old spending over 20 hours a week online. It is therefore vital that all young people leave school understanding what their rights and responsibilities are online.

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’.

Acknowledgment: 
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.
Suggested Next Steps:

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Circular Economies

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)

The Government and the Economy

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...

More Digital Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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…

Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Being An Online Citizen

During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

You Decide! (KS4)

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services...

Assemblies, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The G7 (Assembly Pack)

During this assembly pupils explore the history and function of the G7 and are introduced to the sort of discussions held at the annual G7 Summit. They learn about the…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Nelson Mandela

This assembly is an introduction to the life and work of Nelson Mandela. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’    To access this content,…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Martin Luther King: Sacrificing All for the Dream

This lesson looks at discrimination against African Americans in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement and how Martin Luther King achieved change through peaceful…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Make a Difference in a Day

The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a...

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Difficult Decisions

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider simple social and moral dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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’…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Keeping Safe At Home

In this lesson pupils will spot potential risks in the home. They will learn how they can help adults to keep them safe by reporting problems and keeping the home…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Circular Economies

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?

The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...