Dallas ISD launches campaign to raise awareness on internet safety and digital citizenship

The Dallas ISD Professional & Digital Learning department is leading a districtwide effort to promote digital self-awareness, safety, etiquette and best practices among middle school and high school students.

J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard was recognized on December 2nd for having the highest level of student participation in the first of four Appy Day sessions that address digital citizenship, social media, cyberbullying and media literacy.

“It is so vital for our students to be aware of what’s going on digitally,” said Roshonda Clayton-Brown, deputy chief of school leadership. “We want to make sure that our students are safe and that they’re not posting things on the internet that would jeopardize their safety. That’s one of the main reasons why we want to promote digital awareness and citizenship.”

Of all the Dallas ISD middle schools and high schools, J.P. Starks students were the most engaged with this campaign through digital-learning apps. Members of the Dallas ISD School Leadership Department, campus staff and remote guests from Flocabulary, a Brooklyn-based production company that publishes educational hip hop songs and videos, surprised the students with an assembly that focused on digital citizenship.

“We want to raise awareness with digital citizenship to make sure that we’re producing students who are responsible in how they navigate and communicate with their peers and with others across the internet,” said Dr. Charissa Govan, executive director of Dallas ISD Professional and Digital Learning. “We want to make sure that they’re responsible as they’re engaging with this tool.”

The students gathered in the gym as three members from Flocabulary led the meeting via Zoom. The guests discussed digital challenges that every student with a device faces today. Among the topics discussed were: the importance of creating a safe password, avoiding fighting on social media, how not to fall for phishing scams, and the safety concerns of posting when out of town.

“Because of the global pandemic, our students are using technology more than ever before during the school day,” said Dr. Sheryl Collins, executive director of the Lincoln, Madison and Carter cluster. “ Not only is this effort teaching our scholars about digital citizenship, but it’s preparing them for their college and career professions as they move forward.”

Throughout the assembly, students participated by answering questions or providing examples of digital citizenship and safety. At the end of the assembly, the three students with the highest engagement were recognized and earned prizes.

“As a math, science and technology school, we’re always looking for every opportunity to offer digital tools to our students,” said J.P. Starks Principal Lynette Howard. “We are excited that Dallas ISD started this global effort to promote digital citizenship and to raise awareness in our students when it comes to putting out information online.”