Middle School Digital Citizenship

One of our responsibilities as educators in the Berkeley Public Schools is to help our students be thoughtful digital citizens.  Students are expected to be safe, respectful, and responsible while using technology. Throughout the year, teachers and librarians have conversations with students to discuss these expectations and support their growth as digital citizens.  

Please continue to have these important conversations at home as well.  These lessons below are mostly modified from lessons originally published by Common Sense Media, a great resource for families and teachers.

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Find balance. Encourage time away from phones and computers.  Help your kids to use free time which includes things they have to do and things they like to do.

Set clear limits.  Consider having an “easy-on/easy-off” rule: your child needs to be able to turn off a device as easily as it is turned on, i.e., without an argument.

Walk the walk. Be a role model. Keep mobile devices away during mealtimes, and during conversations (and of course when driving).

Create tech-free zones and times.  Establish your family rules, such as “no devices during meals”,  “all screens off before bedtime” or “use devices in a public space (living room, kitchen).”

Talk about it. Make an effort to occasionally sit with your child when they have screen time.  Ask questions about their favorite games, shows, and characters. Share your media values.