As we discussed in a previous blog post, digital citizenship is about making ethical, informed, and productive choices when using technology. With the growing role of digital technology in our lives, learning to navigate the online world responsibly is essential. Simply put, digital citizenship education has never been more important.
Two major moments in recent history have highlighted the importance of digital citizenship education. First, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of digital technologies across every aspect of life,making almost everyone a digital citizen. Whether for work, education, communication, or entertainment, digital platforms became central to our daily routines, underscoring the need for individuals to learn how to navigate them responsibly and effectively.
More recently, the widespread availability of artificial intelligence (AI) has further emphasized the importance of digital citizenship education. As AI tools become accessible to everyone and are more integrated into daily life, individuals must understand how to engage with digital technologies in a responsible, productive, and ethical manner. For instance, learning about data privacy, recognising misinformation, and how to make informed decisions online.
Recognizing these urgent needs, different organisation and research teams have tried to define the best components of digital citizenship education. For instance, the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) states that digital competence encompasses five key areas: Information and Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Safety, and Problem-Solving. These competencies help individuals engage confidently, critically, and safely in the digital world, enabling effective use of technology for learning, work, and participation in society.
Other frameworks are the Digital Intelligence (DQ) Global Standards which outlines 24 digital competencies divided in 8 areas: Digital Identity, Digital Use, Digital Safety, Digital Security, Digital Emotional Intelligence, Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, and Digital Rights; and the Digital Citizenship Curriculum (DigCit) by Common Sense Education covers six key areas: Media Balance & Well-Being, Privacy & Security, Digital Footprint & Identity, Relationships & Communication, Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech, and News & Media Literacy.
Interestingly, the Council of Europe designated 2025 as the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education. This initiative seeks to raise awareness and impact of digital citizenship education, focusing on equipping individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly and ethically.
Dexterity Club is proud to contribute to this movement. In collaboration with Brilliant Stars International School, we are developing a framework and valuable resources that enhance the existing digital citizenship education frameworks by incorporating values and virtues at the core. Our goal is to provide meaningful guidance for caregivers, educators, and students, to not only enhance their digital skills but also foster ethical and responsible digital engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates and resources as we work towards building a more informed and conscientious digital society by supporting everyone to become a good and proactive digital citizen.
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