Our world has never been more connected and it’s never been more important for children and young people to learn to navigate digital life as responsible digital citizens—learning how to stay safe online, find balance in their digital diet, maintain privacy, and understand the power of words and action…online, at school, and in the community.

In classrooms and media centers across the school district, GCPS students are learning the importance of digital citizenship and developing the habits of a responsible digital citizen—both as a critical consumer and a responsible producer of information.

As our schools celebrate Digital Citizenship Week (Oct. 17-21), it’s a great time for families to become partners in the effort to help our students become responsible digital citizens. Most kids use technology and access social media every day. It’s important to remember that nothing on the web is private, online behavior can impact the future, and to keep the lines of communication open with your child.

Find videos from GCPS TV on various topics about Digital Citizenship, including social media, copyright, and media literacy here: https://publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps/home/gcpstv/videos/students/dc

Get helpful Digital Citizenship and internet safety resources and lessons from our Media Services and Technology Training Department here: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/32834

Since 2003, Common Sense has been the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools and a helpful resource for “need to know” information for families—by age group, topic, and app/platform. Find resources from Common Sense about parenting, media, and everything in between: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles

Stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends here: https://protectyoungeyes.com/blog/

Find resources about having important discussions with your student about social media platforms, navigating viral media stunts, and mental health at Common Sense here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/social-media#csm-topics-related-articles

And, don’t forget about our Virtual GCPS Backpack! Technology tools and digital learning resources for students and families to “Power Up for Success” can be found here: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/33667