Resource

What is a Digital Citizen?

Back in 2017, the Children’s Commissioner published the Growing Up Digital report. It noted that whilst the internet is an extraordinary force for good, it was not designed with children and young people in mind. Yet one third of all internet users are under 18, with the average 12-15 year old spending over 20 hours a week online. It is therefore vital that all young people leave school understanding what their rights and responsibilities are online.

Overview

In the delivery of this resource your students will explore what is meant by the term ‘digital citizen’. They will also examine what rights they have online and consider which individuals and organisations have responsibility for ensuring those rights are protected.

In the second half of the resource students are introduced to real-life examples of how digital technologies have been used to bring about positive change. Students are also challenged to consider how they can use technology in a positive way.

This resource is written for use with 11-14 year old students, over two-hours.

“A brilliant and much needed resource.” Citizenship Teacher, St James’s Church of England High School, Bolton.

This resource could be delivered face-to-face in the classroom or virtually via a platform such as Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. Where the resource is being delivered virtually a Word version of all the student activities has been provided in the ‘student workbook’.

Acknowledgment: 
These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global consultancy firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.
Suggested Next Steps:

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Money – Wants and Needs

Pupils will consider the difference between wants and needs and discuss how our wants and needs can influence how we spend money. To access this content, register for our School…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum

Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…

More Digital Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Media Bias?

During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They...

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…

Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Being An Online Citizen

During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)

Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our School…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working...

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Certificates, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Being a Change-Maker (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Are Change-Makers. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and knowledge…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Power of Giving

In this lesson pupils will read a tale from Japanese folklore which tells of how one small act of generosity leads to big gains. They will think about whether generous…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Litter: The Picnic

In this lesson pupils will follow the story of the Go-Givers having a picnic.  Pupils will think about the problems caused by littering and how they can take responsibility for…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

What is the Law?

Watch a read-aloud version of the book ‘What is the Law?’, in which a hedgehog called Snippet finds out about the law. The book has been separated into four chapters…

Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Migration of People

To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource...