It’s been three years since online school started, and since then, most have improved their dynamics with how best to use the internet, and become more aware of the true meaning of digital citizenship. We have learnt how we can use the internet to our advantage, to stay informed, engaged, balanced, and alert.
Over time we have all learnt that the internet can be a dangerous place, whether it be related to cyberbullying or hackers, identity theft, or your privacy being invaded in other ways; even things that people post on social media could haunt you later on. The internet cannot adapt to you; you have to adapt to the internet. As digital citizens, we have a digital footprint, so what we do or say could have a big effect on the community and the people around us. Students have been taught about online etiquette and how the effect of a digital footprint could last a long time, and one must be mindful of what one does or say. Another must is to protect our privacy by securing our passwords and in doing so we are protecting our online identity. We should stay cautious about scams or suspicious looking websites as they are known to hack your private information.
Cyberbullying is another concern and one must stay vigilant and report offenders so that the problem can be solved before it causes more emotional and psychological harm. Most of all, we have been made aware to protect our creative rights and make sure that our work remains ours so that nobody, not even our family members or friends can plagiarize and steal our work.
Plagiarism is a serious offence, it includes sharing or taking credit for something that isn’t yours without permission since in professional environments plagiarizing could cost you jail time and a hefty fine.
Just as there are things we should do as digital citizens, there are also things we should refrain from. For instance, online etiquette requires us to show kindness online, just as we would in the physical world. One should also be mindful of how one consumes information online. A lot of information you see on the internet is propaganda and the majority of world leaders use it so they can stay popular amongst citizens. Finally, don’t spend all of your free time online because living off the internet also helps you build social and interpersonal skills, and develop other interests and hobbies.
The internet is influential; it could either be good or bad for you. They could use it in positive ways such as engaging in society or politics, or negative ways mentioned. It is up to students whether to use it or abuse it. This is the reason why the school has stressed the importance of being responsible digital citizens and worked at creating a safe and engaging platform for students to learn, share and grow as accountable members of a digital community.
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