Digital Safety and Citizenship Notes

Digital citizenship involves understanding responsible and ethical behavior in the digital world.
It includes using digital tools ethically and responsibly.
It encompasses the rights, responsibilities, and behaviors (respect, integrity, and safety) individuals should exhibit online.
Key aspects include respecting others' privacy, avoiding cyberbullying, using netiquette, maintaining digital health and welfare, being mindful of online actions, and taking responsibility for them.

Recognizing that we live in a digital world that surrounds us.
Understanding the safe use of electronic devices, including awareness of electrical dangers.
Practicing moderation in screen time.
Understanding the dangers of going online.
Understanding cyberbullying and how to deal with it.

Protecting information with a password helps keep it private.
Introducing the concept of a digital footprint.
Recognizing the dangers of sharing personal information like usernames or passwords.

Technology includes tools, machines, or devices that make our lives easier or better.
Examples of technology: computers, smartphones, TVs, video games, robots.
Information Technology (IT) deals with information, such as data, images, and sound.
IT includes computers, software, and the internet.
The purpose of IT is to help people access and use information more easily and efficiently.
Technology is all around us, and we use it every day to communicate, learn, and have fun.

Recognizing living as citizens in a digital world.
Balancing screen time with other activities (playing outside, spending time with family, listening to stories).
Protecting personal information, understanding what it is and why it's important to keep it private.

A machine that helps us process and store information.
Examples: desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone or a Smart TV.
Computing devices help us learn, communicate, create, and have fun.
Understanding that computing devices are all around us and that a computing device accepts input, processes the input, and provides output.
How to take care of computing devices and how to use them safely.

An ICT system is made up of various parts or components that work together to help us process and share information
Hardware (input and output devices), e.g. till, barcode reader and the card reader
Software (code) - programs that enable the system to work
Data that is processed and stored, e.g. read barcode on items to get prices and calculate amount due
The Internet (network) that communicates with the bank to make a payment / communication between till and barcode reader or the card reader
People that operate the devices and users that communicate with others using ICT systems
Example: the sales point in the shop has a scanner that reads the barcode on the item and adds the price of each item to give you the total amount payable. Another part, the card machine reads your banking details and make a payment.

Keep Personal Information Private.
Full name, Home address & phone number, Passwords, School name or uniforms, Photos of yourself & family. These are things about you that you should NOT share on the internet
Personal info is private – it’s like a secret treasure that you only share with family or teachers.
Even if a game or website asks for your name, check with an adult. Use a nickname (not your real name) for online games if needed. For example, “SpeedyLion” instead of “Thabo_Mkhize”.
Personal information is in simple terms: it’s information about you – like your name, address, phone number, age, school name, or photos of yourself.
Remind them that once something is online, it can be seen by others, so we keep our personal details safe.
“Is your favourite ice cream flavour personal information? (No, that’s okay to share.) Is your home address personal information? (Yes, and it should be kept private).”

Not everyone online is your friend!
Online Stranger = Stranger (even if they have a friendly profile)
Never chat or share info with people you don’t know in real life
If someone you don’t know talks to you online: Tell an adult!
Never agree to meet someone you met online. Only talk to real-life friends and family on the internet (with adult supervision).
If an online stranger asks for personal information or tries to give you something (like game credits or gifts), say NO and tell a trusted adult.

Online strangers are people you don’t know in real life. Explain that on the internet, someone might pretend to be a child but could be an adult, or someone you meet in a game chat is still a stranger. Just like they wouldn’t take candy from a stranger in person, they shouldn’t share info or agree to meet someone from online.
Do not chat with or message strangers online. If they play an online game and someone they don’t know messages them, they should not give personal info and should tell an adult.

Be Kind Online – No Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying = bullying online (sending mean messages, etc.)
Never post or send mean things – it can hurt feelings
If you see or face bullying, tell a teacher/parent
Be an Upstander, not a bystander! (help others, don’t join in)
Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet (or phone) to be mean or hurtful to others.
Emphasise that being kind online is just as important as being kind in person. They should treat others with respect and never post or text mean things.
If someone cyberbullies them (for example, sends a mean chat or comment), they should not bully back or respond with anger. Instead, tell a teacher or parent immediately.
They can also block or ignore the bully if they know how (with adult help).
Stress that it’s never the victim’s fault if they are bullied. The bully is the one doing something wrong.

Passwords = Your secret keys
A password locks your accounts and devices
Keep it secret (only tell parents)
Make it hard to guess (use letters & numbers)
No sharing with friends; no using easy passwords like “1234”
A good password is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For kids, this might be a short phrase or combination (with adult help). For example, “BlueCat7” is better than “1234”.
Simplify with an analogy: a password is like a secret key or secret handshake that lets you into your device or account. Only people with the right key (password) can get in. We use passwords to keep our stuff safe, just like we lock our front door.

Ask permission before going online
Stick to kid-friendly sites/apps
Limit screen time (play outside too!)
No clicking ads/pop-ups without asking
If something upsets you, stop and tell an adult
They should ask permission before using a device or visiting new websites/apps. A parent or teacher should say it’s okay. If they’re on YouTube or a game, an adult should know what they’re doing.
Only go on websites/apps that are for kids or that an adult has approved. If something pops up (like an ad or a link) that they’re unsure about, they shouldn’t click it – instead, ask an adult. (You can mention not to randomly click pop-up ads or “YOU WIN” messages – those can be tricks or scams.)