CBE Digital Citizenship Competencies

"Digital citizenship is an action, something that we need to practice and do every single day. In today's interconnected world, this is our opportunity to put global education into practice to empower others to become change makers for using tech for good in local, global and digital communities.” - Digital Citizenship Institute, 2022 Teaching of Digital Citizenship is moving toward empowerment and opportunity, rather than risk management. There is an increasing focus on appropriate and effective application of technology - how to create, share and know when to use it appropriately. Below are CBE Digital Citizenship Competencies to help guide principals and schools with their Digital Citizenship plans and ongoing work to develop effective digital literacy in our students.

Personal Mobile Devices –

“Away for the Day” CBE’s “Away for the Day” policy applies to K-9 students and aligns with Ministerial Order #014/2024: Standards for the Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools. Personal Mobile Device (PMD): Any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cellphone, tablet, gaming device, laptop, or smartwatch. This also includes devices capable of communicating with a PMD such as headphones, AirPods, or smart speakers. Storing Personal Mobile Devices Personal Mobile Devices brought to school must be powered off or set to silent mode and either stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks, or other designated areas. During instructional time, students are not permitted to use social media applications on PMDs or CBE-owned devices. Page | 3 Theft and Responsibility Students who choose to bring personal mobile devices to school do so at their own risk. The security and storage of these items is the sole responsibility of the owner or user. CBE assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of student PMDs

Communication Between Students and Parents Parents are asked to refrain from contacting their child/student on their PMD during the school day to avoid unnecessary distraction. Parents can contact the school office who can facilitate contact with their child/student during the school day, if needed. Exceptions There may be exceptions granted by school administration allowing students to use personal mobile devices during school hours due to specific medical needs, complex learning needs and/or educational purposes. Digital No Use Zones Use of any digital devices including personal mobile devices in washrooms and changing room areas is prohibited at all times. Consequences for Inappropriate Use Students are expected to comply with Administrative Regulation 6005: Student Code of Conduct. Students who refuse may be subject to Administrative Regulation 6006 - Administrative Regulation 6006: Progressive Student Discipline.

• First Incident: Verbal Warning Student is reminded of the expectations regarding responsible use of Personal Mobile Devices and/or social media.
• Second Incident: Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Informed Student will turn in the mobile device to the teacher, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Parent/guardian is informed by the teacher.
• Third Incident: Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Involvement Student will turn in the mobile device to the office and a parent can retrieve the phone at the end of the school day from the office. An Administrator will contact the parents/guardians to inform them of the repeated infractions.
• Fourth Incident: Loss of Privileges Student will not bring the mobile device to school or will turn it into the office at the beginning of day and retrieve it when they leave for the day.
• Further Incident(s) may result in other actions as determined by the administration in consultation with parent/guardian.

Use of School Technology

Students are provided access to computers, other technology and the internet to assist them in their learning. The following activities are prohibited and will be addressed on an individual basis as needed:

• Use of someone else’s CBE account

• Sharing of usernames and passwords for other people to use

• Sending, posting, displaying or using obscene language/messages or pictures or information about oneself or others

• Harassing, insulting or attacking another person or their reputation

• Viewing websites through a proxy server

• Plagiarism of online content

• Tampering with any computer accessories, hardware or software

• Use of technology or accessing sites not approved by staff

• Trespassing in other’s folders, work areas or files

• Utilizing another student’s device without permission

The following sites are prohibited from use:

• Vulgar or lewd depictions of the human body

• Sites that encourage the use of illicit or illegal substances

• Social networking sites (such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc).

• Violent acts

• On-line gambling

• Any adult content

• Sites that advocate hatred or violence against an identifiable group

• Sites promoting criminal activity

• Non-educational games

Our expectation is that students become educated and responsible Digital Citizens. Students who breach any of the above points will be dealt with on an individual basis and may result in:

• Restriction or loss of technology privileges

• Restriction of use or confiscation of personal device

• School based disciplinary consequences: and/or

• Police intervention and/or legal action • Misuse will be determined by the staff and administration

We view digital citizenship as a shared responsibility between students, parents and the school. We appreciate families supporting our work by discussing with their children their role as digital citizens.

• Access to technology is a privilege, not a right. Use it respectfully and responsibly

• Never share your password with anyone except a parent or guardian

• Use technology in a manner that protects your privacy, safety and freedom of thought. Be responsible for protecting the rights of others as well

• Use technology in a manner that protects your own health and wellness.