Norms and Responsibilities

As a substitute teacher, technology in the classroom can be a blessing and a curse.  So many students feel they have a veil of anonymity when they're behind the keyboard, and not speaking face to face with someone, and they don't always choose to be good digital citizens.  It is incredibly difficult to deal with on a substitute basis.  
Teaching students digital citizenship is just as important as teaching them citizenship.  Quite often they are not learning these values at home, or watching and listening to less than ideal examples of citizenship from parents, guardians, and other adults in their lives.
All students should have the right to express their thoughts, and feelings in appropriate ways digitally, but we should remind them with each keystroke or post, "Is this something you would say face to face? Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful to someone else? Is it necessary?"  IF it fails any one of these questions, students should not be posting or commenting.  Students should be reminded of their responsibilities to adhere to digital citizenship guidelines set out by their school district.