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
What is a Citizen?
In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society. The lesson opens with the traditional tale…
Children’s Rights
In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…
What is an Infectious Disease?
In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Fake News: The Evolution of Media
In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
Social Media and the Law (KS3) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of committing these offences. The…
More Politics and Democracy resources
Children’s Rights
In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…
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…
How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?
The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Water: Our Most Precious Resource
In this lesson pupils will learn about the qualities of water and why it is vital to life on Earth. They will consider the problems facing people who cannot…
Using Technology for Good
In this lesson pupils will consider the multiple uses of technology and how technology can be used to solve problems. Pupils will be introduced to the example of Trevor Baylis,…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change
During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...
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…
Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change
In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…
Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…