6 Strategies for Teaching Digital Citizenship and Balance in the Era of AI

In today's tech-driven world, it's more important than ever for schools to teach students about being good digital citizens and finding a balance when using technology. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this has become an absolute necessity for educators. Here are some ways schools can help students navigate the digital landscape responsibly:

1. Communicate Respectfully and Combat Bullying

Students should know the do's and don'ts of communication, both face-to-face and online. Clear guidelines and expectations about respectful interactions are key, along with an understanding of the consequences for breaking these rules. Teachers should talk openly about online hate, bias, and bullying so students know how to handle and prevent these issues. This can be achieved through thoughtful, age-appropriate explorations of the types of online hate and bullying that are prevalent. Teachers can guide students through lessons that examine the reality of online bullying and hate while discussing ways to combat it. For example, this lesson on teaching digital citizenship with LBGTQIA+ students in mind could be a great place to start with your students.

Creating a safe way for students to report online bullying, hate speech and harassment is essential. This requires support from school administrations to ensure that students feel secure and supported when they need to speak up.

2. Respect Boundaries

It's important for everyone to have a healthy balance between online time and personal time, but as students become more digitally literate, that balance often becomes blurred. Schools should set clear rules about when students and teachers should be available online and when they can unplug. Homework and school communications should respect personal time, allowing students and teachers to disconnect outside school hours or during breaks.

One way to support the need to disconnect is by implementing use policies within the school. For example, technology can be used in school when it supports the learning objective, such as research, but can be limited when there are other "offline" methods to achieve the assignment's goals. This report from the AFT about the real cost of social media details the difficulties students face when dealing with social media.

3. Practice Digital Citizenship

Everyone should know how to use technology responsibly, including respecting intellectual property and giving credit where it's due. Plagiarism has been a schoolwide issue for years, and with AI tools now available, it's even more crucial to address it. If your school doesn't have media literacy or digital citizenship classes, help your students understand that all digital sources, including AI, must be cited just like a book or article. Practicing these skills in class will help students recognize the value of others' work, regardless of whether it's on the internet. This webinar from Turnitin could give you some ideas on how to help your students learn the importance of citing the work of others.

4. Teach Safe Browsing Habits

Schools should educate students, teachers and parents about safe internet practices, personal safety, and privacy. This training should be done during school hours and cover how to avoid inappropriate sites and recognize threats like phishing or online predators. Schools should also have protections in place, such as blocking potential threats or having a secure firewall, to keep students safe online. Discussing these protections with administrators can help reinforce the lessons taught in class. You could also introduce your students to NewsGuard, which can help them understand the credibility of different websites.

5. Mindful Use of Screen Time

Encouraging mindful use of technology is crucial. Students and teachers should use digital tools intentionally, not just out of habit or boredom. Regular breaks from screens to engage in physical activities, social interactions or hobbies are important. Schools could even have "digital detox" times where everyone is encouraged to take a break from their devices. By setting boundaries around screen time, you're helping students prioritize their work and develop critical thinking skills. These skills will assist them in being more mindful when working online. This recent webinar from Amber Chandler provides ideas to help students navigate social media and disrupt their cellphone usage. 

6. Mental Health Awareness

Overusing technology can negatively impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety and sleep issues. Schools should raise awareness about these potential problems and teach students how to balance their tech use with other activities that promote well-being. Integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum could significantly help students prioritize their mental health. Teaching students about emotional regulation, identifying emotional triggers, and developing coping mechanisms can have a huge impact on their lives, both online and offline.

By focusing on these aspects, schools can equip students with the skills and awareness needed to navigate the digital world responsibly, ensuring their well-being and development as informed digital citizens. For more ways schools can help students navigate the digital landscape responsibly, explore AFT’s new report, Commonsense Guardrails for Using Advanced Technology in Schools.