Citizenship in a Digital Age – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A digital citizen is a person who uses the internet and digital technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define digital citizenship (cyber citizenship) and netiquette.
2. Explain what a digital footprint is and why it matters.
3. Identify common online dangers such as phishing, identity theft, cyberstalking and fake news.
4. State practical ways of staying safe online.
5. Describe how technology can be used for nation-building.

Who is a digital citizen?

A digital citizen (or “netizen”) is anyone who takes part in life online.

• The Internet: a “country” with no borders, where people from many places meet.
• Everyday examples: using WhatsApp, Facebook or TikTok, or searching Google for homework help.
• Link to Nigerian citizenship: you are a citizen of Nigeria and also a citizen of the digital world.
• The digital world is real: behind every profile picture is a real person with real feelings.

What is cyber citizenship?

Cyber citizenship is the way a person behaves when online.

• Written rules: Nigeria has laws against cybercrime, for example the Cybercrimes Act.
• Unwritten rules: good manners that keep the internet safe and respectful.
• A good digital citizen: uses technology in a way that does not hurt themselves or others.
• Wrong idea to avoid: thinking you can say anything because you are behind a screen.

What is netiquette?

Netiquette is internet etiquette, which means good manners online.

The basic rules for a JSS3 student are:

1. Respect privacy: do not share a friend’s private photos or secrets without asking. Do not share your passwords, except with your parents.
2. Think before you post: a photo or comment can stay online long after you delete it. Others may have saved or shared it.
3. Use kind language: avoid cyberbullying. If you would not say it to someone’s face, do not type it.
4. Give credit: if you share a poem or drawing, name the person who made it. Do not claim it as yours.

What is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind whenever you use the internet.

• What it includes: posts, comments, photos, messages and websites you visit.
• Why it matters: a school, a Principal or a future employer may see it.
• Test before posting: ask, “Would I be happy for my Principal or my future boss to see this?”

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is using the internet or phones to hurt, insult or frighten another person.

• Mean messages: sending unkind or threatening texts or chats.
• Insults: posting hurtful comments or pictures about someone.
• Rumours: spreading false stories about people online.

What are the common online dangers?

Cybercrimes are crimes carried out through computers, phones and the internet.

The internet is like a giant library, but it also has “dark corners”. Common dangers are:

• Phishing: fake emails or SMS that look like they come from a bank or famous company and try to steal your information.
• Identity theft: someone uses your name and photos to pretend to be you.
• Cyberstalking: someone follows you online and makes you feel scared or uncomfortable.
• Fake news: false information that spreads fast, for example a “breaking news” message on WhatsApp.

How can you stay safe online?

You stay safe online by protecting your information and acting wisely when something feels wrong.

1. Use strong passwords: mix letters, numbers and symbols.
2. Keep passwords private: share them only with your parents.
3. Be careful with online friends: never meet an online friend without your parents present.
4. Block and report: block anyone who makes you uncomfortable and tell a parent or teacher.
5. Check facts: confirm a news story from a trusted source before you share it.
6. Do not trust strange messages: do not click links or give details to unknown senders.

How can technology be used for nation-building?

Technology helps build Nigeria when citizens use it for learning, unity, service and honest work.

1. Digital learning: use YouTube or educational apps to learn coding, graphic design or a new language. This makes you more useful to the country.
2. Promoting unity: post positive things about Nigeria. Share stories that bring people together, not ones that cause tribal or religious fights.
3. Reporting problems: use your phone to alert the authorities about bad roads, security issues or human rights abuses in your neighbourhood.
4. Entrepreneurship: many young Nigerians sell clothes, art or food online. This helps the economy grow.

What are the key terms in this topic?

Evaluation

1. Who is a “digital citizen”?
2. Explain why your digital footprint is important for your future.
3. List three things you should do to stay safe from cyber-criminals.
4. How can a JSS3 student use the internet to promote national unity?

Assignment

Write a short list of five netiquette rules for a class WhatsApp group. Give one reason for each rule.