Teaching Digital Citizenship to Children: An Interview with Laura Jakubowski

 In this digital age, our children are growing up as digital citizens. To ensure their safety and ability to contribute positively to society, educating them about their digital responsibilities is essential. Join us on Kids Gone Global as we talk to Laura Jakubowski, the Technology Integration Coach about how she developed a digital citizenship curriculum for the International School of Hamburg tailored to younger students, focusing on digital literacy and societal participation. The program follows a systematic approach, beginning with digital citizenship for 5-6-year-olds, building a foundation of skills for their journey through secondary school. Concepts covered include responsible use, media balance, digital identity, data protection, research skills, and managing online presence. Laura emphasizes self-awareness and establishing routines and habits around technology use and screen time. Digital safety and addressing cyberbullying are fundamental aspects of education. The curriculum focuses on teaching students to use technology responsibly and kindly, while also providing resources to handle cyberbullying situations. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare children for a future where technology serves as a conduit for meaningful connections between people.