Teaching digital citizenship helps students navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Using Snapplify tools like Engage, educators can reinforce these values by sharing resources, setting boundaries, and encouraging reporting when problems arise.

The Snapplify team has always been passionate about digital education and we want you to know that we are here to support teachers and parents through their journey of digital learning and using technology to help children and young adults to understand their rights and limitations online. 


What is Digital Citizenship? 

Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses digital devices to interact with society. For students, it means understanding how to use the internet safely, ethically, and effectively, whether in class, on social media, or while researching online.


Tools in Engage for Educators to Promote Digital Citizenship

  • Share Resources using Engage to upload your schools digital citizenship guidelines, learning materials, or school policies by logging in to your school's Engage platform and navigate to the Library section and select the 'Resources' tab.
  • Manage student access to specific types of content on Engage to hide inappropriate books for younger readers, go to the digital library find the book you want to hide, select the book jacket image and select 'Hide Content' button located on the right-hand side of the screen.
  • Download free Teacha! Resource, material such as a Cyber Bully Checklist and add it as 'Resources' on your Engage platform to share with the students for them to check the list and report cyberbullying abuse.


Why is teaching digital citizenship important?

  • Prepare students for the workplace, and our ever-changing world - No matter the occupation, technology is used daily in the workplace, and is becoming an ever-present part of our lives. Knowing how to use technology efficiently, appropriately and ethically is not just a key career skill, but will increasingly be an essential part of being a good citizen in society.
  • Foster empathy and prevent cyberbullying. - Giving clear guidelines on appropriate online interaction and etiquette can help young people to determine what is right and give them crucial skills for responsible, respectful communication.
  • Ensure online safety and security - Students who have learnt how to protect themselves, their identities and digital footprints online can use technology safely and confidently. 
  • Create awareness about healthy digital habits. - Technology can be addictive and have negative effects on one’s health (e.g. increased anxiety, eye strain, and ergonomic issues). Students who understand the risks of online use, how to use technology productively, and how to limit its damaging effects will be empowered to protect themselves against the detrimental effects of technology.

Incorporating digital citizenship into the classroom is vital

There are many ways to weave digital citizenship into your classroom. As an educator you can always refer students to go to the Library section on Engage and look for books on digital citizenship and mark those books they would want the school to buy.


However you choose to teach digital citizenship, Snapplify is here to help with any questions or support you may need. After all, giving young people a better understanding of these concepts is a gift they will use every day, for the rest of their lives.


Additional resources: Visit the Teacha! Resources, Teacha! Inspire Internet Safety – No Addon! and Search the Snapplify Store


Need help? Use the live chat in the bottom right corner of your screen, email us at help@snapplify.com or reach out via Whatsapp +27 60 011 8065.