Digital citizenship is a specific kind of general citizenship, that is, a citizenship extended to digital spaces, which are not clearly defined and can thus, on the one hand, provide a number of opportunities (wide scale), but on the other hand, hide a number of dangers. It is thus important that the whole practice should be standardized and controlled by rules. The belonging to a huge community should be seen as a CHALLENGE that provides you with huge personal, professional and social skills as long as you fulfill some ethical and moral commitments in reward to that belonging.
A digital citizen understands how the Internet works, is critically engaged in any technologically innovative use and exploits to the full the privileges that it offers, but in an appropriate, respectful and accountable way that enhances the quality of the Internet for everyone connected.
E-Twinning membership is the best example of that kind of citizenship, as it promotes virtual mobility, ensures inclusive education and develops resistance to all forms of discrimination and indoctrination.
This leaflet aims at compiling a list of rules that all the digital citizens, let alone, the eTwinning citizens, should always follow:
1. The digital footprint is indelible; what one writes on the internet is never erased forever, it can always be retrieved!
2. No digital user is anonymous; his/ her digital and therefore, real-life identity can easily be traced down!
3. So, appreciate the fact that access to the WWW opens you "a window to the world" and contribute so that others gain access, too.
4. Take advantage of all the benefits and challenges that the Internet offers to you, for your own sake and the sake of the others.
5. Make sure that each one of your digital acts does not affect negatively anyone else to the least.
6. The Interner has the double function of a knife; it can heal or kill, depending on the person who holds it. So use it only for good purposes, otherwise, don't use it at all.
7. Keep up with its advances and help the others to follow, too. It takes two to "walz" electronically. Digital savvies are communities, not individual users.
8. Protect yourself, your family, your work and your future. Refuse to wander around (browse) "naked".
9. Take care of your health, bodily and mental. There is no point in "conquering the world" being insane.
10. Make your digital life fit your real one and not the other way round.