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Digital citizenship is defined as using knowledge and skills to exhibit appropriate behavior online using digital technology. Two hundred and thirty-seven middle school students were surveyed about digital device use and perception of digital citizenship practices on cyberbullying, digital netiquette, digital footprint, digital privacy, and digital identity. Findings indicated that student use of mobile devices has increased, which has established the need for parental monitoring of the online behavior of their children. Only 55.3% of the surveyed students indicated parental monitoring of their internet/social media use, and only 37.1% of the students identified digital citizenship as being taught in their schools. Seventy-three percent of the students indicated having never been cyberbullied, and only 55.7% indicated knowing how to collect proof if they suspect cyberbullying has occurred. Fifty-seven percent of the students cited following digital netiquette when communicating or posting online, 59.7% of the students have shared their password with a friend, and 48.5% have added a friend and followed someone they did not know. Middle school students lack an understanding of digital citizenship practices, which has implications for teachers, administrators, and parents on teaching digital citizenship at school and home.
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Middle School Students’ Social Media Use
Cyber bullying, digital identity, impact of digital footprints, and use of inappropriate social media are topics that are gaining attention in K-12 schools. As more schools and school districts are implementing 1-1 and “bring your own technology” initiatives, attention to these topics is becoming increasingly important. A total of 593 middle school students were surveyed about digital footprints and concerns about social media. The results show that 17% started using social media at age nine or younger, 40% accepted friend requests from people they do not know, and 40% reported that their parents did not monitor their social media use, which calls for the needs of cyber-security education. These middle school students reported using social media most often to connect with their friends, share pictures, and find out what others are doing. They indicated that Instagram (27%), SnapChat (25%) and YouTube (25%) were their most used social media sites. These students have concerns about social media due to inappropriate postings, getting hacked, getting their feelings hurt, lack of privacy, inappropriate pictures, bullying, negativity, and stalkers. This study informs teachers, administrators, technology facilitators and parents on social media use by students.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1723746
- PAR ID:
- 10198953
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Educational technology society
- Volume:
- 21
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1436-4522
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 213-224
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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