Andre Gonzalez and his classmates at Aptos Middle School in San Francisco are learning some important skills—not for driving cars, but for safely and smartly using the internet. In today’s digital age, it’s essential for kids to know how to interact safely online. This knowledge helps them stay safe and make smart choices when using digital media.
In San Francisco, all 55,000 students in public schools are participating in lessons from Common Sense Media’s digital literacy and citizenship curriculum. This program is designed to teach students about internet safety, and they can even share what they learn with their families at home. Just like students across the country, these kids use the internet to explore, create, connect, and learn. They are being taught to use this powerful technology responsibly and ethically.
The district attorney in San Francisco is also involved, highlighting the importance of tackling issues like online bullying. Learning about these topics is crucial because they can have a big impact on students’ lives now and in the future, including their careers.
Modern education is about more than just having access to technology. It’s about ensuring that students can think critically, act responsibly, and use technology in creative ways. This initiative aims to make students knowledgeable about media while also meeting new federal requirements for funding related to classroom technology.
Andre and his classmates are being prepared to succeed with technology beyond middle school. For more information about Common Sense Media’s education programs, you can visit commonsense.org.
Design a poster that highlights key tips for staying safe online. Use colorful images and catchy phrases to make your message clear and engaging. Share your poster with your classmates and discuss why each tip is important.
In small groups, act out different online scenarios, such as receiving a suspicious message or encountering cyberbullying. Discuss as a group how to handle each situation safely and responsibly.
Work with your family to create an internet safety plan. Discuss rules for internet use at home, and share what you’ve learned about digital safety. Present your plan to the class and explain how it helps keep everyone safe online.
Reflect on your own digital footprint by listing the websites and apps you use regularly. Consider what information you share online and how it might affect your future. Write a short essay on how you can manage your digital footprint responsibly.
Create a comic strip that illustrates proper online etiquette. Use characters to show how to communicate respectfully and responsibly in digital spaces. Share your comic with the class and discuss the importance of online manners.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Andre Gonzalez and his classmates at Aptos Middle School in San Francisco are learning the rules of the road—not for driving, but for safely and smartly navigating the internet. It’s important to teach kids about digital media safety because we live in the digital age, and it’s crucial that children are equipped with the skills and knowledge to interact safely with online components.
In a district-wide effort, all 55,000 students in San Francisco’s public schools participated in lessons from Common Sense Media’s free digital literacy and citizenship curriculum. Students can share what they learned about internet safety at home. Like students nationwide, these seventh graders use the internet to explore, create, connect, and learn, and they are being taught to engage responsibly and ethically with this powerful technology.
This education is taken seriously by San Francisco’s district attorney, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like bullying. It’s vital for kids to learn about these topics as they can significantly impact their lives now and in the future, including their careers.
21st-century learning for schools goes beyond just providing access to technology; it involves ensuring that students can think critically, act responsibly, and use technology creatively. This initiative aims to make students media savvy while also meeting new federal requirements for funding related to classroom connectivity.
Andre and his classmates are being prepared to succeed with technology beyond seventh grade. For more information about Common Sense Media’s education programs, visit commonsense.org.
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This version removes any potentially sensitive or unnecessary details while maintaining the core message.
Digital – Related to technology that uses computers or the internet – Students use digital tools to complete their homework assignments more efficiently.
Safety – The condition of being protected from danger or harm – It is important to practice internet safety by not sharing personal information online.
Internet – A global network that connects millions of computers for communication and information sharing – The internet is a valuable resource for students to research information for their projects.
Students – Individuals who are studying at a school or other educational institution – Students are encouraged to think critically about the information they find online.
Technology – The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry – Technology has changed the way students learn and interact with information.
Critical – Involving careful judgment or evaluation – Critical thinking helps students analyze information and make informed decisions.
Media – Various means of communication, such as television, radio, and the internet – Students should learn how to evaluate media sources for credibility and bias.
Learning – The process of gaining knowledge or skills through study or experience – Online platforms have made learning more accessible to students around the world.
Responsible – Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone – Being responsible online means respecting others and thinking before you post.
Bullying – Unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance – Schools have programs to help prevent bullying and promote a safe environment for all students.
