When middle school teacher Kim Lepre was invited to review the Digital Citizenship Initiative, she anticipated a standard lesson focused on online safety. However, she was pleasantly surprised to discover a wealth of resources that prompted her students to engage in thoughtful discussions about their digital lives. This initiative, part of Verizon’s Digital Wellness resources in collaboration with Discovery Education, offers adaptable materials designed to help students understand what it truly means to act responsibly in the digital realm.
In this Teacher Pick, Kim shares how the program inspired meaningful conversations in her classroom and provided students with opportunities to make informed decisions in their online interactions.
What were your initial thoughts about the Digital Citizenship Initiative?
Initially, I expected a typical digital safety lesson, filled with generic reminders about being cautious online. However, once my students engaged with the lessons, I realized how interactive and discussion-driven they were.
After reviewing the materials, what stood out to you most about the initiative?
What impressed me was how naturally my students engaged with the content. They were not just passively receiving information; they were analyzing social media posts, debating potential risks, and competing to create the safest yet engaging social posts. For me, the greatest success was that it felt effortless to encourage their participation.
How did you introduce the topic of digital citizenship to your students?
I introduced the topic during our advisory block, combining a brief video with a hands-on activity. This approach immediately captured the students’ interest and established a shared vocabulary for discussing online safety. I could also envision it fitting seamlessly into lessons during English Language Arts or social studies, particularly when discussing audience and responsibility.
Which parts of the Digital Citizenship Initiative do you think would resonate most with your students? Why?
The post-makeover activity was a standout for my students. They loved the challenge of transforming a risky post into a safe yet entertaining one, complete with Gen Alpha slang. It felt relevant to them since they are already active on social media daily.
This activity directly ties into our ongoing discussions about online responsibility. We emphasize that words and actions in real life matter, and this program extends that principle into their digital interactions. It reinforces the idea that every post, comment, or share reflects their identity, and responsible online behavior is as vital as responsible behavior in the classroom.
What do you think students could gain from participating in this initiative?
I appreciate that it positions students as problem-solvers. Rather than merely following rules, they engage with real scenarios and make safer choices independently. Furthermore, since not all students are permitted to use social media, this initiative teaches them how to navigate it responsibly.
It also makes the concept of a digital footprint more tangible. Instead of simply hearing “be careful,” they learn how small choices—like a location tag or photo detail—can have lasting consequences.
How could these materials extend to help parents and families at home?
The lessons are straightforward enough for kids to share what they learned with their parents at home. Several students mentioned discussing topics like cookies and app permissions with their families after class.
What advice would you give to other teachers who are considering using the Digital Citizenship Initiative in their classrooms?
Don’t overthink it—just give it a try with one video or activity. The materials are flexible and can easily fit into any class period. Plus, it’s simple to select which parts align with your pacing and the grade level you teach.
You could even incorporate these lessons during a parent night or at a community tech event. Our school has hosted similar events focused on online safety and mental health, making this a perfect fit.
What do you appreciate most about the initiative’s approach to teaching digital responsibility?
The initiative empowers students to make informed choices. The materials are not based on fear or punishment but instead offer practical strategies, encouraging students to take ownership of their online behaviors.
Why do you think programs like this are important in today’s classrooms?
Whether we like it or not, digital spaces dominate how children spend their time, often even beyond their parents’ awareness. Just as we teach conflict resolution and teamwork in traditional settings, we must also equip students with the skills to navigate the online world responsibly.
Watch Kim’s video review of the Digital Citizenship Initiative below.
Access the free lessons, videos, and materials that Kim used in her classroom on the Digital Citizen Initiative’s website.
Learn more about Verizon’s Digital Wellness programs that empower educators and families to build healthier relationships with technology on the Verizon website.
