Digital Citizenship

Character education must extend to digital spaces where children increasingly interact.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
• Learning area: Socio-Emotional
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Understand online citizenship responsibilities
• Practise kindness in digital spaces
• Identify digital dangers and responses

Materials

• Digital citizenship scenarios
• Online kindness pledges
• Safety information

Instructions

Discuss that character applies online as well as in person. Explore digital citizenship: being kind online, protecting privacy, thinking before posting, not believing everything online, getting help when needed. Practise responses to digital situations: cyberbullying, pressure to share personal information, seeing mean comments. Create digital citizenship pledges.

Educator tip

Include parents in digital citizenship education through family pledges or information sessions.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe understanding of digital citizenship, quality of scenario responses, and pledge commitments.

More from EYFS Champions of Character

• Philosophical Discussions
• Stereotype Awareness
• Conflict De-escalation
• Privilege Awareness
• Legacy Planning
• Bystander Intervention Training
• Intercultural Competence
• Forgiveness Workshop