Digital Citizenship – JSS3 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Third Term)

A digital citizen is anyone who uses the internet, social media or mobile devices to interact with others.

• Meaning: just as you belong to a country like Nigeria, you also belong to the digital world.
• Rules: our towns have laws that keep us safe (like stopping at red lights), and the internet has rules too.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define a digital citizen and state the three pillars of digital citizenship.
2. Explain digital footprint and online privacy.
3. Describe four ways of protecting personal information online.
4. Name common online offences and the Nigerian law that deals with them.
5. State three digital rights and apply them to a given scenario.

What are the three pillars of digital citizenship?

The three pillars of digital citizenship are Respect, Educate and Protect.

1. Respect: treat others online the way you would treat them face-to-face. If you would not say it to their face, do not type it.
2. Educate: understand how the internet works and do not believe everything you read.
3. Protect: keep your personal information safe and look out for others.

What is the “Grandma” Rule?

The “Grandma” Rule is a test to apply before you post a photo or comment online.

• The question: “Would I be okay with my grandmother or my future boss seeing this?”
• If the answer is no: do not post it.

What is online privacy?

Online privacy is the control you have over who sees your information on the internet.

• Digital footprint: the trail of information you leave online, such as posts, photos, comments and searches.
• Permanence: once something is online, it is almost impossible to delete it forever, because others may copy or save it.
• Result: a careless post today can still be found years later.

How can you protect your privacy online?

You can protect your privacy with strong passwords, private settings, caution with strangers and two-factor authentication.

Strong passwords

• Strong password: long, and a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, such as $P@ssw0rd2026! (an example of the style only, never use it).
• Weak password: short and easy to guess, such as your birthday, your name or “123456”.
• Keep it secret: do not share your password, even with close friends.

Private settings

• Check settings: look at your social media privacy settings often.
• Audience: make your posts visible to “Friends” only, not the whole world.

Stranger danger

• Never share: your home address, school name or current location with someone you only met online.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Meaning: a second check after your password, usually a code sent to your phone.
• Example: it is like having two locks on your door.
• Benefit: even if someone steals your password, they still need the code to get in.

What are cyber laws in Nigeria?

Cyber laws are laws that make certain online actions illegal, and in Nigeria the main one is the Cybercrimes Act.

• Common mistake: many young people think the internet is a “lawless” place where anything is allowed.
• Truth: the same law protects people online and offline.

What are common cyber crimes?

Four common online offences are cyberbullying, identity theft, plagiarism and hacking.

What is the penalty for cyber crimes?

• Punishment: breaking these laws can lead to heavy fines or time in prison.
• Tracing: the police can use IP addresses and other records to help trace the device used.

What are your digital rights?

Digital rights are the freedoms you have to use the internet safely and fairly.

• The right to safety: you can block and report anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or bullied.
• The right to credit: if you create something original, such as a video, a drawing or an article, you have the right to be recognised as the creator.
• The right to speech: you can express your opinion, as long as you do not spread lies about people (defamation) or encourage violence.

Class discussion: what should you do in this case?

Read the case below, then answer the discussion questions.

• The case: a classmate creates a fake Instagram account of a teacher and posts funny but mean things.

How can you be a “Green Light” digital citizen?

A “Green Light” digital citizen uses technology correctly and safely.

• Used correctly: technology can change your life for the better.
• Used wrongly: its effects can follow you for years.
• Your choice: respect others, keep learning and protect information.

Evaluation

1. Define a digital citizen.
2. State the three pillars of digital citizenship.
3. What is a digital footprint?
4. List four ways of protecting your privacy online.
5. State any three digital rights.

Assignment

Write a short list of five rules for safe and respectful online behaviour for your class. Use at least one idea from each of Respect, Educate and Protect.