I have to admit, I had to cool off before updating my blog with this message about Digital Citizenship. Today, the District called off School for Students due to inclement weather. While it was in anticipation of potentially severe weather that was headed our way, the decision showed great foresight and it was made with an abundance of caution. As is customary, they posted the notice to the webpage, to Facebook & to Twitter. Within minutes, the overwhelming clamoring of negativity struck from all sides from parents, disagreeing with the call. Comments were rude, ugly, disrespectful, angry. Some included name calling. I was really quite taken by it all. Not only were they replying to the initial post, in this manner, but also to other comments made by other parents. I could have really put my two cents in here, but chose to follow the District's lead and show restraint.Here is what I would have posted:
Dear Parents,
We have an ongoing conversation with your children about being good Digital Citizens. We talk about how their digital footprint is permanent and any words spoken online could potentially have an impact on future employers and any university in an admittance application. We stress consistently to them that they are to "THINK" before they post and ask themself: Is it True...Is it Helpful...Is it Inspiring...Is it Necessary...Is it Kind! Convincing your kids to follow these steps towards being good Digital Citizens is a hard job. So, when you post such rude and thoughtless comments, especially on a very public website, where thousands are able to read it, your comments potentially shatter any of the conversations we've had with them about how to behave while they are online. If your son or daughter could see your comments that you made today, they could easily say to themself 'well if Mom and Dad can speak like this while online, so can I'. I ask you, exactly who wins here?
Something to consider.
Blessings,
Mrs. Elana Moore
Being Good Digital Citizens is a whole community effort. Everyone must do their best to THINK before they hit the send key. Students, Parents, Community, including School Staff, must be able to be online with each other and to feel safe. Communicating online should be to broaden relationships and for learning....not damaging or for name calling. It is up to all of us.....
Again...something to think about...
