How?

1. Introduction to the Digital Citizenship (15 minutes):

Digital Citizenship teaches young adults how to engage and participate in responsible ways of using technology, in order to protect themselves from internet dangers and respect each other’s human rights. According to the Council of Europe, digital citizenship can be defined as:

“The competent and positive engagement with digital technologies (creating, working, sharing, socializing, investigating, playing, communicating and learning); participating actively and responsibly (values, skills, attitudes, knowledge) in communities (local, national, global) at all levels (political, economic, social, cultural and intercultural); being involved in a double process of lifelong learning (in formal, informal and non-formal settings) and continuously defending human dignity.” (Council of Europe, 2022.)

There are various definitions of digital citizenship, but they all agree on some of the common principles:

• Using technology to make your community better.
• Engaging respectfully online with people who have different beliefs than you.
• Using technology to make your voice heard by public leaders and shape public policy.
• Determining the validity of online sources of information.

Digital citizenship goes beyond conversations about personal responsibility. It’s about being active citizens who see possibilities instead of problems, and opportunities instead of risks as they curate a positive and effective digital footprint with respect to human rights and dignity.

2. Importance of Digital Citizenship (Approx. 5 minutes):

Some key issues and debates are ongoing in Europe regarding what are the needs and challenges when it comes to the digital citizenship. Many of these topics are part of much bigger debates that affect all parts of society and not just young people. They reflect the rapid changes that are happening in society because of digitalization and the effect this is having on democracy. That is where the digital citizenship education comes in.

3. Evolution of the Internet and Digital Technologies (Approx. 10 minutes):