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.
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’.
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.

- See our other free teaching resources.
- Read more about why we should teach citizenship.
- Look at our subscription based resources and citizenship experiences.
More Lessons resources
Cultural Diversity in the UK
In this lesson pupils will be learning about cultural diversity in the UK and some of the historical factors that have contributed to the diversity of the UK population. Pupils…
Rights and Responsibilities
In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the terms ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’ and how they balance one another. They will then discuss and prepare a class charter that…
Homelessness
In this lesson pupils will think about what home means to them through writing a poem inspired by the line ‘Home is where the heart is’. They will consider the…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)
According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Democracy (Part 1): What is a General Election?
This lesson forms the first part of a three-part unit on Democracy. Pupils explore the meaning of ‘democracy’, and the ways in which citizens can participate in democratic life in…
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
How to Create a Sponsor Form
Decided to do a sponsored event to raise money for charity but not sure what the sponsor form should look like? Download an example form here. To access this content,…
Mock G7 Pack
The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...
How Can I Make a Difference?
In this lesson pupils will think about how they can plan a social action project. They will be led through key steps by following the example of the Go-Givers. …
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
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…
Housing Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students explore a range of different housing situations someone can find themselves in. They examine some of the common legal issues concerning housing including common landlord and…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
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…
Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)
This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…