# Digital citizenship

**Source**: https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/learning-technologies/technology-enhanced-learning/digital-citizenship/
**Parent**: https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/

[Learning technologies](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/learning-technologies/)

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 — Digital citizenship

# Digital citizenship

Digital citizenship encompasses a range of capabilities that go beyond IT skills.

Netsafe defines a digital citizen as someone who (among other things):

- Demonstrates honesty and integrity and ethical behaviour in their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Respects the concepts of privacy and freedom of speech in a digital world
- Uses and develops critical thinking skills in cyberspace
- Uses ICT to relate to others in positive, meaningful ways

These concepts don’t just apply to students but the University community as a whole. Teachers are perfectly positioned to provide opportunities for students to develop digital competencies. For example, communicating appropriate behaviour (and leading by example) can help to avoid a problematic situations. Think about providing guidance to your students in relation to: online discussions, academic integrity, information privacy, and staying safe online.

### Appropriate

- Be polite, respectful and unbiased – consider diverse perspectives and cultural differences.
- Be authentic – share sentiments that you believe; avoid echoing those that you don’t.
- Avoid causing harm – refrain from language that is curt, combative, derogatory etc., even when you are [disagreeing with someone](https://www.netsafe.org.nz/disagreeing-respectfully/).
- Know your audience – don’t assume how your comments are perceived.
- Write to your audience – understand when it is appropriate to write formally / informally.

Responsible

- [Read our code of conduct](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/life-on-campus/code-of-conduct.html) – what the University expects of you.
- Respect the work of others – cite your sources and adhere to the values of [academic integrity and copyright](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/academic-integrity-copyright.html).
- Act within the relevant terms of use – understand the rules of engagement between the parties.
- Recognise the validity of online sources – cross check facts before (re-)posting.
- Challenge inappropriate behaviour – prevent it becoming the new normal.
- [Learn about ICT policies](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/the-university/how-university-works/policy-and-administration/computing.html) – the University sets out expectations around the use of ICT.

### Empowered

- Reduce barriers to access – not all users have the latest high-bandwidth device.
- Design with all users in mind – your audience will have varying levels of IT savviness.
- [Design accessible course materials](https://teachwell.auckland.ac.nz/resources/design-for-accessibility/) – to reach as many students as possible.
- [Practise your video presence](https://www.lhh.com/uk/en/insights/six-tips-for-mastering-your-professional-video-presence/) – follow best practice for delivering video presentations.

### Safe

- [Safeguard passwords](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management/password-management/choosing-password.html) – use a password manager and avoid reusing passwords across multiple systems.
- [Avoid cyber fraud](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/safe-computing/recognising-online-threats.html) – learn about the traps that cyber criminals will set for you.
- [Secure your data](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/safe-computing/computing-device-security.html) – implement security measures to prevent your device being hacked.
- [Protect your identity](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/identity-and-access-management.html) – understand when it is appropriate to share personal information.
- [Protect your reputation](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/connect-with-us/social-media-links/social-media-community-guidelines.html) – the information you share online will be around for a long time.

### Savvy

- Make good judgements – understand the appropriateness and necessity of your comments.
- Be succinct – write just enough to get your point across.
- Use an appropriate style – uppercase words can be interpreted as SHOUTING.
- Apply a filter – asynchronous discussion lacks intonation. Avoid nuance, jargon and attempts at humour.
- Avoid ambiguity – form clear, concise sentences. Identify your subject, especially when you could be misinterpreted.
- Use appropriate tools – consider the purpose of different communication channels e.g., Canvas discussion vs twitter.

### Social

- Show respect – be mindful of others’ time, motives, opinions, and values.
- Embrace diversity – don’t be shy to engage with people who are dissimilar.
- Don’t hide behind anonymity – this does not excuse you from your responsibility.

## See also…

- [Learning essentials: communicating respectfully and constructively](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/learning-at-university/technology/communicating-online/)
- [Our code of conduct](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/life-on-campus/code-of-conduct.html)
- [Safe computing](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/safe-computing.html)
- [Guidelines on the use of social media](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/services/other-services/communications-marketing/social-media.html)
- [Risk assessment of staff external engagement and public profiles](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/intranet/work-personal/staff-support/risk-assessment-staff-external-engagement-public-profiles.html)
- [Bullying, harassment and discrimination](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about-us/about-the-university/equity-at-the-university/harassment.html)
- [Tips for using Zoom](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/online-exams/exams-for-students-studying-remotely/online-learning.html#Resources)

*Page updated 18/12/2025 (minor edit)*