Originally published in TEACH Magazine, Digital Citizenship Special Issue, 2020
By Joneshia Cranford-Shepherd
Do you know any children who are active Internet browsers or users of social media? If so, congratulations are in order. They have earned their digital citizenship. Digital citizenship is the use of computers and electronic devices to engage in responsible use of the Internet. When used responsibly, the Internet serves as a great foundation in which an abundance of knowledge can be obtained. When there is a misuse of one’s digital citizenship, it can have negative mental and physical effects.
Physical effects are ones that take a toll on the body itself, often things you can see with the naked eye. Mental effects are ones that take over the mind and thoughts, things that are not visible to others. Throughout this article, the Internet or web will be referred to as the “digital world.” Mentally and physically, the digital world can have long-lasting negative impacts on children.
Joneshia Cranford-Shepherd is currently a Content Mastery teacher with the Lufkin Independent School District. In 2018, she received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and in 2019 she graduated from Lufkin ISD’s Leadership Academy.
