Andre Gonzalez and his classmates at Aptos Middle School in San Francisco are on an exciting journey to learn how to use the internet safely and responsibly. In today’s world, where we use the internet for almost everything, it’s super important to know how to interact with online content in a smart way.
All 55,000 students in San Francisco’s public schools took part in special lessons from Common Sense Media’s digital literacy and citizenship curriculum. These lessons are designed to help students understand internet safety and encourage them to share what they learn with their families at home.
Just like students everywhere, these seventh graders use the internet to explore new ideas, create projects, connect with friends, and learn new things. They are being taught to use technology responsibly and ethically, which is something even the district attorney of San Francisco sees as a crucial part of their education.
Understanding how to use the internet safely is important because it can affect students’ lives now and in the future. Learning in the 21st century isn’t just about having access to technology; it’s about thinking critically, acting responsibly, and using technology in creative ways.
By becoming savvy with media, students are also helping their schools meet new federal requirements for funding that supports better internet access in classrooms. Andre and his classmates are getting ready to succeed with technology as they move forward in their education.
If you’re interested in learning more about Common Sense Media’s education programs, you can visit their website at commonsense.org.
Design a poster that highlights the key principles of digital citizenship. Use drawings, slogans, and examples to show how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Share your poster with the class and explain why each principle is important.
Work in small groups to act out different online scenarios. Each group will be given a situation involving internet use, such as encountering cyberbullying or identifying fake news. Discuss as a class how to handle these situations responsibly.
Take part in an interactive quiz that tests your knowledge of internet safety. The quiz will cover topics like privacy settings, recognizing scams, and protecting personal information. Compete with your classmates to see who can score the highest!
Create a plan with your family to ensure everyone uses the internet safely at home. Discuss rules for screen time, sharing information online, and what to do if someone encounters inappropriate content. Present your plan to the class.
Reflect on your own digital footprint by writing a short essay. Consider how your online actions can affect your reputation and future opportunities. Share your reflections with a partner and discuss ways to maintain a positive digital presence.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Andre Gonzalez and his classmates at Aptos Middle School in San Francisco are learning important rules about navigating the internet safely and responsibly. In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for children to have the skills and knowledge to interact safely with online content.
In a district-wide initiative, 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 are encouraged to share what they learn about internet safety with their families at home.
Like students across the country, these seventh graders use the internet to explore, create, connect, and learn. They are being taught to engage responsibly and ethically with technology, which is recognized by San Francisco’s district attorney as a significant aspect of their education.
It’s essential for kids to understand these topics, as they can have a lasting impact on their lives, both now and in the future. 21st-century learning goes beyond just providing access to technology; it involves teaching students to think critically, act responsibly, and use technology creatively.
By becoming media savvy, students are also helping the district meet new federal requirements for funding that supports classroom connectivity. Andre and his classmates are being prepared to succeed with technology as they move beyond seventh grade.
For more information about Common Sense Media’s education programs, visit commonsense.org.
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This version maintains the core message while ensuring clarity and appropriateness.
Critical – Involving careful judgment or evaluation – When analyzing a problem, it is important to use critical thinking to find the best solution.
Thinking – The process of considering or reasoning about something – Thinking deeply about a topic can help you understand it better and come up with new ideas.
Internet – A global network that connects millions of computers, allowing them to communicate – Students use the internet to research information for their school projects.
Safely – In a way that avoids harm or danger – It is important to use the internet safely by not sharing personal information with strangers.
Technology – The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry – Technology has made it easier for students to access educational resources online.
Responsibly – In a way that shows you can be trusted to do the right thing – Using social media responsibly means thinking before you post and respecting others.
Citizenship – The qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community – Digital citizenship involves understanding how to use technology in a respectful and ethical way.
Students – People who are studying at a school or college – Students are encouraged to ask questions and think critically about the information they learn.
Media – The main means of mass communication, such as television, radio, and the internet – It is important to evaluate media sources critically to determine if the information is accurate.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university – Education helps students develop the skills they need to think critically and solve problems.
