Today, almost everyone is connected in the world. That is why teaching digital citizenship is important. ISTE Educator Standard 3 (Citizen) tells us that teachers should help students learn how to act responsibly and respectfully online. They should also contribute in positive ways in digital spaces (ISTE, n.d.). This ensures that students can use technology in safe, ethical, and thoughtful ways.
More than just rules
Digital citizenship today goes beyond telling students what not to do. It involves helping them think critically, protect their privacy, and understand the long-term impact of their online actions (Ribble, 2022). ISTE (2025) describes good digital citizens as being informed, respectful, engaged, and aware of their surroundings online.
What can Educators do?
Teachers can help students develop these skills by incorporating relevant activities into daily lessons. They can teach about fact-checking things shared online. Students can also create class rules for online behavior with each other. Teachers can also incorporate digital projects into the curriculum where students can express their skills. These activities not only build technological skills but also teach students how to interact with others in digital spaces (Bennett, 2024).
The Impact of ISTE Standard 3
By following Standard 3 of ISTE, educators can help students develop into responsible and ethical users of technology. This ensures that students can use the internet to learn and become engaged in a positive manner.
References
Bennett, A. (2024, October 14). Teaching digital citizenship: Preparing students for a world without Lightspeed. Lightspeed Systems. https://www.lightspeedsystems.com/blog/digital-citizenship-preparing-students-for-a-world-without-lightspeed/
ISTE. (n.d.). Educator standards: 3. Citizen. International Society for Technology in Education. https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-educators
ISTE. (2025). Digital citizenship competencies. International Society for Technology in Education. https://www.iste.org/digital-citizenship
Ribble, M. (2022). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know (3rd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education.
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