Davidson Day School Completes First Digital Citizenship Week

Growing up in the digital age provides unlimited opportunities for students to connect, learn, and share information, which is why Davidson Day School held its first Digital Citizenship Week Aug. 22-26, planned with the guidance of area expert Susan Wind of Parents kNOwMORE and resources available from the nonprofit organization, Common Sense Media.

The goal of Davidson Day’s Digital Citizenship Week was to encourage young people to harness the power of the Internet and digital technology for learning, while at the same time operating as safe and responsible digital citizens. The week’s events included classroom lessons and assemblies for students, as well as seminars and compiled resources for parents. In addition, Davidson Day students in grades 4-12 participated in tutorials and discussions with the intent of helping them make smarter, safer decisions online. 
 
With technology evolving at a dizzying pace and students often knowing more about the digital world than their parents, families can often feel overwhelmed as they cope with [or manage] the new challenges associated with raising technologically savvy kids. Recognizing this, Davidson Day aimed to provide parents with as much information as possible to help their children navigate this ever-changing landscape. 
 
Wind, a college professor who founded Parents kNOwMORE, conducted two seminars for Davidson Day parents where she discussed current apps children are using today, privacy and public access, terminology, case studies, statistics/research, legal ramifications, North Carolina state laws, and much more. Wind also encouraged parents to have an open dialogue with their children about digital citizenship, which can help prevent some of the negative consequences that can occur in cyberspace. 
 
In addition, Davidson Day gathered a wealth of resources for parents to help guide their children in the online world. Parents were given applicable downloads, links, and videos commonly found online with topics ranging from “Raising Digital Citizens” to “How to Use Parental Controls on iPhones and iPads” to “Hidden Apps and How to Find them on Your Child’s Phone.” Davidson Day also provided a social media contract and family media agreement that parents can download and ask their children to sign prior to receiving a smart phone or other electronic device.
 
“Davidson Day School’s mission statement speaks to the importance of teaching students to be respectful ethical citizens,” said Dr. Latta Baucom, Head of School at Davidson Day. “We are committed to work alongside our parents to help our children become thoughtful and careful users of social media. Digital citizenship has rapidly become a critical component of character development. We believe that through a strong partnership with our parents, we will make great strides towards this goal.”
 
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Davidson Day School is located at 750 Jetton Street in Davidson, just off I-77 at Exit 30. Founded in 1999, the school features small class sizes, a student-focused approach and a strong college preparatory curriculum. The school holds dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Independent Schools Management (ISM), and the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS).

For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.DavidsonDay.org on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DavidsonDaySchool, on Twitter @DavidsonDay and on Instagram at @DavidsonDaySchool
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