Empower European Digital Citizenship Education in Schools
The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
July 2025
Any individual who surfs online and/or regularly uses ICT has at least a dual citizenship, namely national citizenship and digital citizenship, the latter being less known and explored. As with active citizenship, digital citizenship involves specific competences and skills, participation and responsibility, rights and duties.
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Hardly anyone doubts that training is needed to ensure active citizenship in a digital world. Thus, for any person or institution interested in developing digital citizenship training/education, it is important to know the key areas on which such training is based. One way to organize and embed digital citizenship education is by reinforcing its principles of Respect, Education, and Safety/Protection (REP), as well as the elements embedded in each of these principles (Ribble, 2015). The REP triad is geared to prepare a citizen toward active, safe, yet responsible participation in both offline and online communities. Moreover, due to the fact that technologies are part of a continuous evolution, the skills acquired will help citizens to behave responsibly online in the communities in which they operate, both now and in the future (Ribble, 2015).
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The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship, as outlined by educator Dr. Mike Ribble, are a comprehensive framework for guiding individuals on how to engage responsibly and ethically in the digital world. These elements encompass various aspects of digital behavior and serve as a guide for promoting positive online interactions. Here is a brief overview of each element:
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Digital Access: Ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunity to access and utilize digital technologies and resources. This element emphasizes bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion for all members of society.
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Digital Commerce: Understanding the responsible and ethical use of online financial transactions, including buying and selling goods and services. This element emphasizes safe and secure practices in online commerce.
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Digital Communication: Fostering effective and respectful communication online, including the use of appropriate language, tone, and etiquette in digital interactions. This element emphasizes the importance of clear and constructive communication in the digital space.
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Digital Literacy: Developing the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively navigate and evaluate digital information and resources. This element emphasizes critical thinking, information literacy, and digital research skills.
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Digital Etiquette: Practicing proper behavior and manners in online environments, including social media platforms, emails, and online forums. This element promotes respectful and considerate interactions in the digital realm.
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Digital Law: Understanding and abiding by the legal regulations that govern online behavior, including copyright laws, data privacy regulations, and cybersecurity policies. This element emphasizes compliance with digital laws and regulations to ensure a safe and legal online experience.
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Digital Rights & Responsibilities: Recognizing and honoring the rights of individuals in the digital space, as well as taking responsibility for one's own actions and contributions online. This element promotes accountability, ethical behavior, and respect for digital rights.
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Digital Health & Wellness: Maintaining a healthy balance in digital usage and promoting well-being in the digital age. This element emphasizes the importance of managing screen time, addressing digital addiction, and prioritizing mental and physical health in digital environments.
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Digital Security: Implementing measures to protect personal information, data, and devices from cybersecurity threats and breaches. This element focuses on safeguarding digital assets and practicing safe online behaviors to ensure a secure digital experience.
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These Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship serve as a comprehensive guide for individuals to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly, ethically, and effectively. By embracing these principles, individuals can contribute to a safer, more inclusive, and positive online community.
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