Digital Citizenship FAQ
This page answers common questions about the Digital Citizenship for Grade 5 textbook. Questions are grouped into six sections so you can jump to the part you need. If you do not see your question, ask a trusted adult or your teacher.
Getting Started Questions
What is this course about?
This course teaches Grade 5 students how to be safe, kind, and balanced in the digital world. You will learn about the devices you use, the websites you visit, the people you meet online, and the choices you make every day. The course is built around one simple habit: pause, think, act. That means slowing down for a second before you tap, post, or share. The course has 17 chapters, and each one builds on the one before. By the end, you will have a personal Digital Citizenship Toolkit you can use for the rest of your life. You can read more in the course description.
Who is this course for?
This course is written for Grade 5 students (ages 10 to 12). It is also useful for Grade 6 students, classroom teachers, school librarians, technology coaches, and parents who want to support a young digital citizen. The reading is at a fourth-to-sixth-grade level. The scenarios use kids who look and live like real students. You do not need to be a tech expert to read this book — you only need to be curious. See the course description for more about the audience.
What will I learn in this course?
You will learn how to use the internet safely, treat other people kindly, take care of your body and mind around screens, protect your private information, and tell true stories from false ones. You will also learn the difference between conflict and cyberbullying, how to be an upstander, and how to ask the four critical questions before you share anything online. By the end of the course, you will be able to explain digital citizenship in your own words and use a personal toolkit of habits. The full list of skills is in the course description.
Do I need any special skills before I start?
You only need a few simple things. You should be able to use a mouse or a touch screen, type a few words, and open a web browser. You should also have used a school device before — for example, to open a web page, watch a video, or play a learning game. You do not need to know how to code, and you do not need a personal social-media account. Everything else, the book will teach you.
How long does the course take?
A typical class will take about one school year, with one or two chapters per month. Each chapter is short enough to read in a single class period. You can also read it on your own at home, one chapter at a time. There is no rush. The most important thing is that you understand the ideas and try the habits, not how fast you finish. Your teacher will set the pace for your class.
How is the course organized?
The course has 17 chapters grouped into eight big topics: foundations, media balance, privacy, digital footprint, relationships, cyberbullying, misinformation, and critical thinking. Each chapter has a story, an explanation, an interactive MicroSim you can play with, and a few questions to think about. You can see the list of chapters on the chapters page. Most chapters take one class period to read and a little more time to explore the MicroSim.
Who is Maka the river otter?
Maka is the friendly river otter who shows up in the chapters. She is the textbook's mascot and your guide. Maka lives in the rivers near your school and likes to remind you to pause, think, act. She pops into chapters to welcome you, share a tip, give you a warning, or celebrate when you finish a section. Maka is kind, curious, and never bossy. You can think of her as a helpful friend who is reading the book with you.
What is "pause, think, act"?
Pause, think, act is the most important habit in this whole book. It means: take one slow breath before you tap a link, type a comment, or share a post. Pause gives your brain time to catch up with your fingers. Think asks the question, "Is this safe? Is this kind? Is this true?" Act is the choice you make after you have thought about it. This three-step habit takes only a second, but it can save you a lot of regret. It is introduced in Chapter 2: What Is a Digital Citizen?.
Do I need a computer for every chapter?
You do not need a computer to read the chapters — you can read them on paper, on a tablet, or on a school laptop. But to play the MicroSims (the small interactive activities), you will need a web browser. Your teacher or a trusted adult can help you open the right page. The course does not need any apps to be installed, and you do not need to make any new accounts.
Will I get a grade in this course?
That is up to your teacher and your school. This textbook does not give grades by itself. Your teacher might use the chapter activities, the Personal Pledge, or your Digital Citizenship Toolkit as part of your class grade. Talk to your teacher if you want to know exactly how the work in this book will count.
What is a MicroSim?
A MicroSim is a small interactive activity that runs in your web browser. You do not have to install anything. You just open the page, click some buttons, drag a slider, or sort some pictures, and you can see how an idea works. For example, one MicroSim lets you sort activities into "heart, brain, and body" groups. Another lets you check how strong a password would be. MicroSims help you try an idea, not just read about it. One example is the Digital Devices Explorer.
How do I use this book on my own at home?
Start at Chapter 1 and read in order. Each chapter builds on the ones before it. Read slowly, take breaks, and try the MicroSim if you can. If you find a word you do not know, look it up in the Glossary. If something feels confusing or upsetting, stop and talk to a trusted adult — that is always a smart move.
Core Concepts
What is digital citizenship?
Digital citizenship means being a thoughtful, kind, and safe member of the online world. A digital citizen knows that the internet is a real community, with real people and real feelings on the other end of every screen. Digital citizens take care of themselves, treat others with respect, protect their private information, and think before they share. Digital citizenship is not about being perfect — it is about making good choices, learning from your mistakes, and helping others do the same. The whole idea is explained in Chapter 2: What Is a Digital Citizen?.
What is a digital device?
A digital device is any tool that uses tiny electronic parts to do work for you. It usually has a screen, lights up, and lets you tap, click, type, or swipe. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart watches, video-game consoles, and smart TVs are all digital devices. Some devices, like your school laptop, do many different things. Others, like a smart watch, do only a few. Chapter 1 introduces the most common digital devices in a student's life.
What is the internet?
The internet is a giant network that connects digital devices all around the world. When you watch a video, open a web page, or send a message, the data travels through the internet to reach you. The internet is not one place — it is more like millions of roads that all connect together. Wifi is one way your device gets onto those roads without using a cable. Chapter 1 explains the internet in plain language using the story of how a video reaches a tablet.
What is a digital footprint?
A digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. Every time you post, click, search, or share, you add a footprint to your trail. Some footprints disappear quickly. Most last for a very long time. Your digital footprint can include photos, comments, game scores, and even the websites you visited. The big idea to remember is that your footprint is permanent, searchable, copyable, and shareable. That is why slowing down before you post matters so much. Read more in Chapter 7: What Is a Digital Footprint?.
What is media balance?
Media balance means using screens in a way that fits with the rest of your life — not too much, not too little, and at the right times. A balanced day has time for heart activities (people you love), brain activities (learning), and body activities (moving around). When screens crowd out food, sleep, play, or friendships, that is media imbalance. The signs of imbalance include tired eyes, a grumpy mood, skipped meals, and skipped play. Chapter 3: Media Balance shows you how to spot the signs and build a healthy routine.
What is the difference between private and personal information?
Private information can be used to find you in real life. That includes your full name, home address, school name, birthday, and phone number. Personal information is about you, but it cannot find you. That includes your favorite color, your favorite sport, or your hobbies. Private information should stay private — share it only with trusted adults or trusted accounts. Personal information is usually safer to share. Chapter 5: Private vs. Personal Information gives clear examples of both.
What is a strong password?
A strong password is one that is long, hard to guess, and not used on any other website. The best passwords are usually passphrases — three or four random words strung together, like "river-otter-rainbow-lamp". Strong passwords do not include your name, your birthday, or your pet's name, because those are easy for someone else to guess. You should also never share your password with another kid, even your best friend. Read more in Chapter 6: Passwords and Online Safety.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses a digital device to repeatedly hurt, scare, or embarrass another person. Three things turn an online fight into cyberbullying: it is on purpose, it happens more than once, and there is a power imbalance — the person being targeted has a hard time defending themselves. Cyberbullying is not the same as a normal disagreement. It is more serious, and it always deserves help from a trusted adult. Chapter 11: When Conflict Becomes Cyberbullying explains the difference in detail.
What is the difference between conflict and cyberbullying?
A conflict is a normal disagreement between people. It usually has two sides, both people can speak up, and it can often be worked out. Cyberbullying is different. It is repeated, it is on purpose, and one person has more power than the other. A conflict might be uncomfortable, but it is not always harmful. Cyberbullying always causes harm and always deserves adult help. Knowing the difference helps you decide what to do. Read more in Chapter 11.
What is an upstander?
An upstander is someone who notices unkind behavior and chooses to help, instead of ignoring it. An upstander is the opposite of a bystander, who watches and stays quiet. Being an upstander does not mean fighting back or putting yourself in danger. It can be as simple as sending a kind message to the person being targeted, telling a trusted adult, or refusing to share a mean post. Small acts add up. Chapter 12: Standing Up Safely as an Upstander gives you safe upstander moves you can use today.
What is misinformation?
Misinformation is false or wrong information that gets shared online. It can be a fake news story, a doctored photo, an old story shared as if it were new, or a rumor that spreads quickly. The person sharing misinformation may not even know it is wrong. Disinformation is a little different — that is when someone shares false information on purpose to fool people. Both kinds of false information can spread fast, so it is your job to slow down before you share. Chapter 13: What Is Misinformation? explains the most common types.
What is fact-checking?
Fact-checking is the habit of looking carefully at a story before you believe it or share it. A good fact-checker asks four questions: Who said this? How do they know? Where is the proof? What might be missing? They also check the date, look for the original source, and compare the story to other trusted sources. Fact-checking takes a few minutes, but it stops false stories from spreading. Chapter 14: Becoming a Fact Checker walks you through the steps.
What are the four critical questions?
The four critical questions are the heart of clear thinking online. Every time you read a strong claim or see a wild headline, ask:
- Who said it? — Is this person or website trustworthy?
- How do they know? — Did they see it, study it, or just hear it?
- What is the evidence? — Is there proof you can check?
- What is missing? — Is there a side of the story you are not seeing?
These four questions are explained in Chapter 15: The Four Critical Questions. They are simple, but they will protect you from a lot of false information.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the habit of asking good questions instead of just believing what you see or hear. A critical thinker is curious, asks for evidence, and is willing to change their mind when they learn something new. Critical thinking is not about arguing or being negative — it is about being careful with the truth. Chapter 16: Healthy Doubt and Open Minds shows you how to be a kind, careful thinker.
What is healthy doubt?
Healthy doubt is the small voice that says, "Wait, is that really true?" before you believe a wild claim. Healthy doubt is not the same as being mean or distrusting everyone. It is being curious instead of gullible. A person with healthy doubt asks questions, checks sources, and gives the truth a fair chance to come out. Read more in Chapter 16.
What is an online community?
An online community is a group of people who connect through a website, app, or game. It can be a class chat, a video-game lobby, a learning website, or a comment section. Online communities can be welcoming and fun, but they only work when people choose to be kind. The same rules that work in your classroom — be respectful, take turns, help others — also work online. Read more in Chapter 2.
What is digital identity?
Your digital identity is who you are online. It includes your username, your avatar, the things you post, and the way you treat other people. Your digital identity does not have to match your real name, but it should match your real values. The way you act online is part of who you are. Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 explain how your identity and reputation grow over time.
What is online reputation?
Your online reputation is what other people think of you based on your digital footprint. If you post kind things, share helpful information, and treat others with respect, you build a positive reputation. If you post mean things, share rumors, or break rules, your reputation can be damaged. The hard part is that your reputation can follow you for years. Chapter 8: Reputation, Sharing, and Giving Credit explains how to build a reputation you will be proud of.
What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property is the work that someone else created with their mind — like a drawing, a song, a video, a story, or a photo. The person who made it owns it. If you want to use someone else's work, you should ask, give them credit, or use work that is free to share. Copying without giving credit is called plagiarism, and it is a kind of taking. Chapter 8 shows you simple ways to give credit.
What is clickbait?
Clickbait is a headline or picture that is designed to make you click, even when the story behind it is not very interesting or true. Clickbait often uses exciting words like "You won't believe..." or "Shocking..." It pulls on your curiosity to get you to click. Once you click, the website earns money, but you may waste your time or get tricked into something worse. The best move is to pause, think, act — do not click just because something looks exciting. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is a digital footprint that is "permanent"?
When we say a digital footprint is permanent, we mean it can stick around long after you forget about it. A photo you post today might still be findable years from now. A mean comment can be screenshotted and saved by someone else, even if you delete it. That is why thinking before you post matters more than trying to delete after. Chapter 7 explains why deletion does not always work.
What is data tracking?
Data tracking is when websites and apps quietly collect information about what you do — what you click, how long you stay on a page, and even where you are. Companies use this data to show you ads or to learn about your habits. Most tracking is legal, but it is something you should know about. The best way to keep your data safer is to use trusted websites, sign out of accounts when you are done, and ask a trusted adult before you click "Accept All Cookies." Read more in Chapter 6.
What are cookies?
In computers, cookies are little files that websites save on your device to remember things about you — like that you are signed in, or what you put in a shopping cart. Some cookies are useful. Others are used for tracking. You do not need to be afraid of cookies, but you should know that they exist. A trusted adult can help you adjust cookie settings if you want. Cookies are introduced in Chapter 6.
What is the safe-talk rule?
The safe-talk rule is a simple guide for online conversations: if a chat starts to feel weird, stop the chat and tell a trusted adult. You do not have to be sure something is wrong. The "weird feeling" is your brain telling you to slow down. The safe-talk rule also says: never share your full name, address, school, or photo with someone you only know online. Telling a trusted adult is not getting anyone in trouble — it is being smart. Read more in Chapter 10: Safe Talk and Setting Boundaries.
Who is a trusted adult?
A trusted adult is a grown-up in your life who listens to you, takes you seriously, and helps you make good choices. A trusted adult could be a parent, a guardian, a grandparent, an older brother or sister, a teacher, a school counselor, a coach, or a librarian. A good test is: "Could I tell this person something hard, and would they help me?" If the answer is yes, they are a trusted adult. Every chapter in this book suggests talking to a trusted adult when something feels wrong.
What is the difference between an online friend and an in-person friend?
An in-person friend is someone you know in real life. You see them face to face, you can ask other people about them, and you know they are who they say they are. An online-only friend is someone you only know through a screen. They might be very kind, but you cannot be sure they are who they say they are. You should never share private information with an online-only friend, and you should never agree to meet them in person without a trusted adult. Read more in Chapter 9: Online Friends and How We Talk.
What does it mean to "give credit" online?
Giving credit means saying who made something when you use their work. If you copy a picture, share a quote, or use a song, you should write the name of the person or website it came from. Giving credit is fair, and it is also a kind way to thank the person who made the thing. It also keeps you from being accused of copying. Chapter 8 shows simple ways to give credit at school.
Technical Detail Questions
What is a web browser?
A web browser is a program on your device that lets you visit websites. Common web browsers are Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. You type a website's address in the address bar, and the browser fetches that page from the internet and shows it on your screen. A browser is like a window — it does not store the websites, it just shows them to you. Read more in Chapter 1.
What is a URL?
A URL is the address of a web page. It usually starts with "https://" and then the website's name, like "https://example.com". You type a URL into the address bar of your web browser to go to that page. The URL tells the internet exactly which page you want. Reading the URL carefully can help you spot fake websites — sometimes a tiny letter is changed to trick you. Read more in Chapter 1.
What does "HTTPS" mean?
HTTPS is the part of a web address that means the connection between your device and the website is encrypted — that means the information is scrambled while it travels, so other people cannot read it easily. You will usually see a small padlock icon next to it. HTTPS does not promise the website is safe or true, but it does mean the connection is private. The "S" stands for "secure." If a site has only "http" (no "s"), be more careful with private information. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is the padlock icon next to a URL?
The padlock icon in the address bar means the page is using HTTPS, which keeps the connection between your device and the website private. A padlock does not mean the website is honest or true — it only means the connection is encrypted. You can still get tricked on a site with a padlock, so you should always also check who runs the website. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is wifi?
Wifi is a way for your device to connect to the internet without using a cable. Your school, your home, and many public places have wifi networks. You join the network with a name and (usually) a password. Once you are on, your device can talk to the internet through that network. Read more about how wifi works in Chapter 1.
What is public wifi, and is it safe?
Public wifi is a wifi network in a place like a library, a coffee shop, or an airport. Anyone can join. Public wifi is convenient, but it is not always safe — other people on the same network can sometimes peek at the information you send. The safest rule for kids is: do not sign into accounts or share private information on public wifi. Stick to reading and watching, and save the important stuff for home. Read more in Chapter 1.
What is an account?
An account is a personal record on a website or app that stores your information and lets you sign in. Your account has a username and a password. Each account you make adds to your digital footprint, so it is wise not to make accounts on every website that asks. Only make accounts on trusted websites, and ask a trusted adult before signing up. Read more in Chapter 1.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (sometimes called "2FA") is an extra step that helps keep your account safe. After you type your password, the website asks for a second thing — usually a short code sent to your phone or email. That way, even if someone learns your password, they still cannot get in without the code. 2FA is one of the strongest ways to protect an account. Ask a trusted adult to help you turn it on. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is a passphrase?
A passphrase is a kind of password made of several random words strung together, like "purple-otter-river-cloud". Passphrases are easier to remember than random letters, but they are very hard for someone else to guess. They are usually stronger than a short password with symbols. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a kind of online scam where someone sends a message — usually an email or a text — that pretends to be from a real company, school, or person. It tries to trick you into typing your password or sharing private information. The message often looks real, but small things are wrong, like a strange spelling or a weird link. The safest move is to never click links in messages from people you do not know, and to ask a trusted adult if something looks off. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is an app permission?
An app permission is when an app asks for the right to use part of your device — like the camera, the microphone, your contacts, or your location. Some permissions are needed for the app to work. Others are not. Before you say "Allow," ask: Does this app really need this? If a flashlight app wants your location, that is a warning sign. Ask a trusted adult to help you decide. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is location sharing?
Location sharing is when an app or website knows where you are. Some apps need your location to work, like maps. Others ask for it without a good reason. Sharing your location is a kind of private information, so be careful. Turn it off when you do not need it, and never share your location with someone you only know online. Read more in Chapter 6.
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot is a picture of what is on your screen at one moment. You can take a screenshot of a chat, a web page, a game score, or anything else. Screenshots are useful, but they are also why "deleting" a post does not always work — once someone has a screenshot, they have a copy forever. If you are being bullied online, taking screenshots is a good way to save evidence to show a trusted adult. Read more in Chapter 11.
What is a notification?
A notification is a little message your device shows you when something new happens — a new text, a new comment, a new game alert. Notifications can be helpful, but they also pull your attention away from what you are doing. Too many notifications can hurt your sleep, your focus, and your mood. You can turn notifications off, or set quiet hours. Read more in Chapter 4: Healthy Tech Habits.
What is FOMO?
FOMO stands for "fear of missing out." It is the worried feeling that other people are having fun without you, or that you are missing something important if you put your screen down. FOMO is normal, but it can keep you stuck on your device when you really need a break. The truth is, you are not missing as much as you think. Read more about FOMO in Chapter 4.
What is a search engine?
A search engine is a website like Google or Bing that helps you find other websites. You type words in the search box, and the search engine shows a list of pages that match. Search engines are helpful, but the first result is not always the best or most truthful one. Always read the URL and the description before you click. Read more in Chapter 1.
What is an emoji?
An emoji is a small picture that stands for an idea or a feeling, like a smiley face or a heart. Emojis can make a message feel friendlier, but they can also be misunderstood. The same emoji can mean different things to different people. When in doubt, use words. Read more about emojis and tone in Chapter 9.
What does "all caps" mean online?
All caps is writing a message using only capital letters, LIKE THIS. On the internet, all caps usually feels like shouting. Even a kind sentence can sound angry in all caps. Use normal letters when you want to be calm and friendly, and save all caps for when you really mean to be loud. Read more about tone in text in Chapter 9.
What is a viral post?
A viral post is a post that gets shared by a huge number of people very quickly. Some viral posts are funny or kind. Others are wrong, mean, or misleading. The fact that a post is viral does not mean it is true. Slow down and check before you share something just because everyone else is. Read more in Chapter 13.
What is "lateral reading"?
Lateral reading is what fact-checkers do when they want to know if a story is true. Instead of staying on the same page, they open new tabs and look up the source on other websites. If three trusted sources say the same thing, the story is more likely true. If only one website is saying it, slow down. Read more in Chapter 14.
Common Challenge Questions
What should I do if I see a mean comment about me online?
First, take a slow breath. Do not reply right away — typing while you are angry usually makes things worse. Take a screenshot if you can, so you have a copy of what was said. Then tell a trusted adult, even if part of you wants to handle it yourself. You are not in trouble for telling. The adult can help you decide the next step, which might be blocking the person, reporting the comment, or just letting it go. You can read more in Chapter 11 and Chapter 12.
What if I accidentally share private information?
Do not panic, but do not pretend it did not happen. Tell a trusted adult right away. Together you can think about who saw it, whether you can delete the post, and how to be safer next time. Sharing too much by accident is a common mistake — even adults do it. The important thing is what you do next. Read more in Chapter 5.
What should I do if a stranger online wants to chat with me?
Stop and tell a trusted adult. Even if the person seems nice, you do not really know who they are. Never share your full name, address, school, photo, or phone number with someone you only know online. Never agree to meet in person without a trusted adult. The "weird feeling" in your stomach is your brain trying to protect you. Listen to it. Read more in Chapter 10.
What if my friend asks for my password?
Even your best friend should not have your password. It is one of the few rules with no exceptions. If your friend asks, you can say, "I keep my password to myself — that is one of my rules." A real friend will understand. Sharing a password can lead to lost accounts, mean messages sent in your name, or hurt feelings later. Read more in Chapter 6.
What should I do if I see someone being bullied online?
You can be an upstander. That does not mean fighting back. It can mean sending a kind message to the person being targeted, refusing to like or share the mean post, or telling a trusted adult what you saw. Even one kind action can help the person feel less alone. Read more about safe upstander moves in Chapter 12.
What if I am not sure whether something is cyberbullying or just a normal disagreement?
Ask three questions: Is it on purpose? Is it happening more than once? Is the other person stronger or in a bigger group? If the answer to all three is yes, it is probably cyberbullying. If it is a one-time disagreement between equals, it is probably just a conflict. When in doubt, ask a trusted adult to help you decide. Read more in Chapter 11.
What if I share a story and then find out it was false?
First, do not feel ashamed — even careful people get fooled sometimes. The kind thing to do is to post a quick update saying, "I shared this earlier, but I found out it was not true. Sorry!" That stops the false story from spreading further. Then think about what tricked you. Was it a wild headline? A photo with no source? Knowing what fooled you helps you spot the same trick next time. Read more in Chapter 13.
What if I cannot stop scrolling on my device?
That feeling has a name — sometimes it is called doomscrolling. Apps are designed to keep you watching, so it is not your fault. The trick is to put a small barrier between you and the app: set a time limit, move the app to a different screen, or hand your device to a trusted adult during homework time. Even small breaks help. Read more in Chapter 4.
What if a chat or game is making me feel bad?
You are allowed to leave. You do not need to explain why, and you are not being rude. Close the chat, put down the device, and do something else for a while — go outside, talk to a friend in person, or eat a snack. If the bad feeling keeps coming back, tell a trusted adult. Your feelings matter more than any game or chat. Read more in Chapter 4.
What if I read something that scared me?
Scary stories online are often misinformation — they use scary words on purpose to get clicks. Take a slow breath. Do not share the story right away. Tell a trusted adult what you read and how you felt. They can help you check if it is true. If it is true, they can help you understand it. If it is not, you have learned something about how clickbait works. Read more in Chapter 13.
What if I made a post I regret?
It happens to almost everyone. First, see if you can delete it — that helps, even if it is not perfect. Then think about who might have seen it, and whether you should send a quick apology to anyone you may have hurt. Finally, ask yourself: What would I do differently next time? The answer is usually, "I will pause, think, and act." Read more in Chapter 7.
What if I am being asked to keep an online secret?
A trusted online friend should not ask you to hide things from your parents or teachers. If someone says, "Don't tell anyone we are talking," that is a warning sign. Tell a trusted adult right away, even if you feel embarrassed. You will not be in trouble. Adults need to know about these conversations so they can help. Read more in Chapter 10.
Best Practice Questions
How do I make a strong password?
Use a passphrase of three or four random words, like "river-otter-rainbow-cloud". Make sure your passphrase is at least 12 characters long. Do not use your name, your birthday, your pet's name, or any word from your social media. Use a different password for every important account. Write your passwords down on paper and keep that paper in a safe place at home, or use a password manager that a trusted adult sets up with you. Read more in Chapter 6.
How do I check if a website is trustworthy?
Look at four things: the URL (does it look like the real one?), the author or organization (do you know who runs the site?), the date (is it recent enough to still be true?), and other sources (do other trusted websites say the same thing?). If any of those feel off, slow down. A pretty website is not always a true website. Read more in Chapter 14.
How do I take a screen break?
Set a timer for 20 minutes. When it beeps, look up from your screen at something far away — out a window, across the room, at a tree — for about 20 seconds. Then stand up and stretch for a minute. This is sometimes called the "20-20-20 rule." Bigger breaks are also great: go outside, eat a snack, talk to a friend, or read a paper book. Your eyes and your brain will both feel better. Read more in Chapter 4.
How do I build a positive digital footprint?
Post things you would be proud to show a teacher, a coach, or a future you. Be kind in comments. Give credit when you share someone else's work. Do not post when you are angry. Avoid sharing private information. Over time, all the small good choices add up to a footprint that helps you, instead of hurting you. Read more in Chapter 8.
How do I respond when someone says something hurtful in a chat?
First, pause. Do not type back right away. Then think: Is this a one-time thing, or part of a pattern? Am I safe? Do I need adult help? If you decide to reply, use calm, clear words. You can also choose not to reply at all — silence can be a strong answer. Save a screenshot if it might happen again. Tell a trusted adult if it keeps happening. Read more in Chapter 11.
How do I help a friend who is being cyberbullied?
Send them a kind, private message: "I saw what happened. I am sorry. You did not deserve that." That alone can help them feel less alone. Do not share or like the mean post, even to argue with it — that just spreads it. Tell a trusted adult what you saw, and offer to go with your friend if they want to tell their parents or teacher. Read more in Chapter 12.
How do I decide what to share online?
Use a simple test before you share: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it private? Is it mine to share? If the answer to any of those is "no" or "not sure," do not share. The post will still be there in five minutes if you decide later it really is okay. Read more in Chapter 7.
How do I balance my screen time?
Notice how you feel during and after using a screen. If you feel tired, grumpy, or like you skipped meals or play, that is a sign of media imbalance. Try setting a daily screen-time goal, taking breaks, and trading some screen time for outdoor time or time with people you love. A Family Media Plan helps the whole household stay balanced. Read more in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
How do I report a mean post or message?
Most apps and websites have a "Report" button next to each post, comment, or message. Tap it, choose the reason, and send the report. Reporting is private — the person being reported usually does not know who reported them. After you report, also tell a trusted adult, especially if it keeps happening. Reporting is not "tattling" — it is one of the safest upstander moves you can make. Read more in Chapter 12.
How do I give credit to someone whose work I share?
If you copy a picture, write the artist's name and where you found it. If you quote someone, put their words in quotes and write their name. If you use a video clip, name the channel or person who made it. A simple "by [name], from [website]" is usually enough for school work. Read more in Chapter 8.
How do I tell the difference between a fact and an opinion?
A fact can be checked and proven. ("The sun rises in the east.") An opinion is what someone believes or feels. ("Sunrises are the best time of day.") Both are okay, but they are not the same. When you read online, ask, "Is this a fact I can check, or an opinion I am hearing?" Read more in Chapter 13.
How do I make a Family Media Plan?
A Family Media Plan is an agreement everyone in your home makes about screens — how much, when, and where. A simple plan might say: "No devices at the dinner table. No screens after 8 pm. One hour of family time each night with no phones." Sit down with your family, talk about what feels right, and write the plan down. Then check in once a month to see if it is working. Read more in Chapter 4.
Advanced Topic Questions
How does my digital footprint affect my future?
Your digital footprint can follow you for years. Coaches, teachers, and even future employers sometimes look people up online. A footprint full of kind, helpful, and creative posts can open doors. A footprint full of mean comments or risky behavior can close them. The good news is: you are still young. You have plenty of time to build a footprint you will be proud of. Start today by thinking before you post. Read more in Chapter 7 and Chapter 8.
How does an algorithm decide what I see online?
An algorithm is a set of rules a computer follows to choose what to show you. Most apps use algorithms to look at what you have liked, watched, or shared, then guess what will keep you scrolling. That is algorithm amplification. The tricky part is that the algorithm does not care if a post is true or kind — it only cares about keeping your attention. Knowing this helps you take back control. Read more in Chapter 13.
What is confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the habit of believing things that already match what we think, and ignoring things that do not. Everyone has confirmation bias — it is part of being human. The problem is that it can keep us from learning. A good critical thinker notices when a story feels "just right" and asks, "Am I believing this because it is true, or because I want it to be true?" Read more in Chapter 16.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Both are false information, but the difference is why it is being shared. Misinformation is shared by someone who does not know it is wrong. Disinformation is shared by someone who knows it is wrong and wants to fool people anyway. Both can spread fast online. The tools to spot them — fact-checking, lateral reading, the four critical questions — work the same way for both. Read more in Chapter 13.
How can I tell if a photo has been edited?
Some edited photos are easy to spot — the lighting is wrong, the edges are blurry, or something does not match the rest of the picture. Others are very hard to tell. The best way to check is to look up the same photo in another trusted source, or to use a "reverse image search" with help from a trusted adult. If a photo seems too wild to be true, it might be. Read more in Chapter 14.
How do I think about something I read without just trusting it?
Use the four critical questions: Who said it? How do they know? What is the evidence? What is missing? Then notice your own feelings. If a story makes you very angry, very scared, or very excited, slow down — strong feelings often mean someone is trying to push you. Critical thinking is not about being negative, it is about being careful. Read more in Chapter 15 and Chapter 16.
What goes into my Digital Citizenship Toolkit?
Your Digital Citizenship Toolkit is a personal collection of habits, rules, and reminders you build through this book. It might include your Personal Pledge, your Password Plan, your Media Balance Plan, your Safe-Talk Plan, your Footprint Plan, your Upstander Script, your Fact-Check Card, and your Family Media Plan. Each tool comes from a chapter, and each one helps you in a real situation. By the end of the course, you will have a complete kit that is yours for life. Read more in Chapter 17: Your Digital Citizenship Toolkit.
How do I keep growing as a digital citizen after the course ends?
Digital citizenship is not a one-time class — it is a lifelong habit. Keep using pause, think, act. Keep asking the four critical questions. Keep updating your Family Media Plan as your life changes. When something new comes along — a new app, a new game, a new kind of message — bring your tools with you. The internet will keep changing. Your good habits will keep working. Read more in Chapter 17.
Where to Learn More
- The full course description
- The list of chapters
- The Glossary of all the terms in this book
- The Digital Devices Explorer MicroSim
- The Stories section, with short graphic novels