Tool # 11

As a teacher of young children (Pre K), I think it is very important to begin laying the groundwork for my students to become good digital citizens. How to use the internet safely, as well as using good manners and treating others with respect is very important. I liked the idea of using the acronym that I found on Cyber Smart Young Kids: T h i n k
to help teach digital citizenship.

T - Tell your Mum or Dad if you see something online that upsets you, or if someone makes you feel unhappy. You can also talk to a trusted adult like a teacher: they can help.

H - Hide your password. Only ever share it with your parents – never with your friends. Someone else could go online pretending to be you and do something that could get you into trouble.

I - Interesting websites can be fun. Check with Mum or Dad if a site is okay to use before you visit. Sometimes they can set up a good list of sites just for you.

N - be Nice to people you talk to on the internet or phone. Name calling or being mean is not cool. Look out for yourself and for others.

K - Keep your special personal information safe. Never give your real name, address or phone number to anyone you don’t know in the real world.

Besides having a poster at the computer station with the THINK acronym and pictures beside each letter demonstrating that point, I could have the students act out each point after talking about them at large group. Also, before beginning research on the internet, I will need to model how and why I chose certain sites for them to use, instead of just providing appropriate sites, allowing them the opportunity to see the process of evaluating a website. Technology is such a wonderful and useful tool, but it is so important for children to know how to use it safely and wisely.