Cyberbullying &

Digital Citizenship
By: Colleen DiNunno, Kelly Grice,
Kelly Hilbert, and Mandi Wilson
 Overview
Our topic is about cyberbullying, and
discovering ways our students can be safe
and responsible on the internet, or in other
words, have good digital citizenship.

(2015). All Good Digital Citizens [digital image]. Retrieved

from http://www.virtuallibrary.info/digital-citizenship.html
Nearpod Slide
During this time, participants brainstormed what the terms
cyberbullying/digital citizenship meant
 Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place
over digital devices like cell phones,
computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying
can occur through SMS, Text, and apps,
or online in social media, forums, or
gaming where people can view,
participate in, or share content.
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting,
or sharing negative, harmful, false, or
mean content about someone else. It can
include sharing personal or private
information about someone else causing
(2017, January 19). Cyberbullying - Uncontrolled?. [digital image].
Retrieved from https://radioromaniacultural.ro/cyberbullying-ul-de-necontrolat/
embarrassment or humiliation. Some
cyberbullying crosses the line into
unlawful or criminal behavior.
 Digital Being a good digital citizen includes

Citizenship
being safe, responsible, and
considerate while on the internet.
Digital citizenship defines the
norms for appropriate technology
use and the habits and actions that
impact digital content and
communities. It includes respecting
the feelings of yourself and of
others, and also the intellectual
property of others.
Araoz, L. (Illustrator). (2016, March 11).
Sketchnote [digital image]. Retrieved from
https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/708489315836366848
 Why is cyberbullying This topic is an issue because students all over

& digital the globe are starting to use their devices in

citizenship an issue?
unsafe or irresponsible ways. Cyberbullying has

the potential to lead to depression, anxiety, self

harm, or suicide. Students cannot perform at

their best when they are being targeted by

cyberbullying. Digital citizenship leads to

students being digitally literate, which allows

them to be successful in the online community.

Duckworth, S. (Illustrator). (2017, Dec 4). 7 Digital Citizenship
Rules. [digital image]. Retrieved from
https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/937734967571992576
 CYBERBULLYING & DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP IN OUR SCHOOLS
Wellwood International
Elementary School
At the elementary level, students are just
getting accustomed to a world where they
are more dependent on technology, and
have more freedom with it. They may not
necessarily know all the rights from
wrongs online yet, and need guidance on
understanding what a digital footprint is,
and the importance of being safe,
responsible, and appropriate. Technology
is still light and fun, and the elementary
years are a crucial time for students to
really be taught the importance of digital
citizenship, and be made aware that their
words have an impact.
Pikesville Middle School
At the middle school level,
students are becoming comfortable
with social media and technology.
They are also starting to find their
voice and use it and they may use it
freely during interactions online.
If students are not properly
monitored they may not be
adequately prepared to
communicate in a digitally literate
way. The vision in our school, is to
prepare students for the 21st
century globally advancing world,
which can be taught through their
online communications.
Lansdowne High School
At the high school level, students
are well versed in social media, and
social use of technology. Students
must be prepared to graduate while
being digitally literate and prepared
to use technology associated with
college, career, and/or military.
Many students do not understand
the consequences of their actions
online, therefore cyberbullying can
occur due to a lack of digital
citizenship. With proper
understanding, students could use
technology in a better and more
valuable way.
 As technology becomes more pertinent in education, students must
be digitally literate and prepared to positively contribute to the
online community. Education systems have created the vision for
students to be able to advance in a globally connected world. To

CYBERBULLYING
properly acquire 21st century skills, students must be affluent in
digital communications and citizenship.

& DIGITAL
Teachers who fall in the entry or adoption stages of ACOT, may
need more knowledge and skills in order to instruct their students
on digital citizenship. Those who are in the higher stages of ACOT

CITIZENSHIP
may feel more comfortable with having conversations with students
to help them in being good digital citizens, and being safe online
while incorporating technology. While in the lower stages, teachers

IN EDUCATION may be using more discussion based techniques, whereas teachers

in the higher stages may utilize technology tools in order to engage
students in activities to showcase what it means to be a good digital
citizen. At the appropriation or invention stages, teachers might be
incorporating different tools such as social media tools, to engage
students in activities.
 Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over

Nearpod quiz On
- answer: digital devices

True/False: Writing things online leaves a

digital footprint

cyberbullying and True/False or selection question if nearpod

has it? Cyberbullying has the potential to
lead to: depression, anxiety, self harm, or

digital citizenship
suicide.

True/False: Being a good digital citizen leads

to students being digitally literate, which
allows them to be successful in the online
community
 POLICIES & To properly educate and

PROCEDURES
enforce policies regarding
cyberbullying and digital
citizenship, schools need
specific policies and
procedures. Baltimore County
Public Schools has created
some guidelines for schools to
use. In our schools specifically,
we have created policies and
procedures to help address
cyberbullying and digital
citizenship for K-12.
Duckworth, S. (Illustrator). (2017, Dec 4). 5 Digital Citizenship
Lessons for 21st Century Learners. [digital image]. Retrieved from
https://twitter.com/sylviaduckworth/status/937734967571992576
 Policies & procedures IN OUR SCHOOLS
Elementary School
● Students will have Digital Reflection
sheets that they will have to fill out
after misuse of technology. This
reflection will go home to be signed,
and after 3 reflections students will
face a consequence.
● Students and teachers will create
essential agreements about being good
digital citizens at the beginning of the
year, to be posted in the classroom.
These will be referenced during
conversations during Morning
Meetings.
● Students will engage in activities
which require them to interact with
each other online, to practice being
safe and responsible
● Parents will be informed on the
technology use, so they can have
conversations with their children at
home about being responsible
Middle School
● Students will continue to discover
ways to be a good digital citizen and
what to do about cyberbullying when
they see it.
● Students will reflect on situations
that lead to an increase in
cyberbullying and discuss ways to
solve the situation through monthly
community circles, which will also help
students to improve communication
and relationship building skills.
● Students will reflect on effective
ways to communicate online to ensure
their safety and the safety of others
and take a contract home to be signed
by themselves and their guardian.
● In order to reinforce these
procedures throughout the school
year, students will complete a series
of tasks through
www.commonsense.org and community
circles
High School
● Students will partake in monthly
cyberbullying/digital citizenship lessons
during an extended homeroom.
Teachers may access lessons via
www.commonsense.org
● Students will be provided information
to report any form of cyberbullying, as
it is prohibited by federal law and
prohibited. Any student who violates
● Parents will be provided information on
what their child is learning, and how to
be involved in their digital lives.
● Parents will be required to sign an
acceptable use policy, and be aware of
their child’s digital responsibilities.
● Teachers will monitor students’ digital
use, and report any form of
cyberbullying to administration, who
will take the next disciplinary action.
References
Cyberbullying. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.bcps.org/growing_up_digital/cyberbullying/

Digital Citizenship. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.graniteschools.org/edtech/digcit/

Dwyer, D., Ringstaff, C., Sandholtz, J. (n.d.). Integrating Technology into Classroom Instruction: An Assessment of

the Impact of the ACOT Teacher Development Center Project. Retrieved from:

https://www.apple.com/euro/pdfs/acotlibrary/rpt22.pdf