Digital Citizenship
To ensure students are prepared to navigate an increasingly digital world, the district has developed the S3 Digital Citizenship Framework, a comprehensive curriculum that equips learners with the skills to engage online in ways that are Safe, Smart, and Social.
Digital citizenship is the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and participate in the world around us.
In Cherry Creek Schools, our Digital Citizenship Framework helps students understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with living and learning in a connected world. It guides students to act in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical in and out of the classroom.
Why It Matters for Students and Families
Today’s students grow up surrounded by technology. They use devices to complete schoolwork, communicate with friends, explore interests, and express themselves. Because of this, digital citizenship is an essential life skill.
Our framework helps students build the confidence and independence they need to navigate online spaces safely and thoughtfully. It teaches them not only how to use technology, but how to use it well.
- Students need to know how to protect their personal information and make safe choices online
- They need strong critical‑thinking skills to evaluate what they see, hear, and share
- They need guidance on treating others with kindness and respect in digital spaces, just as they would in person
These skills support students’ wellbeing, help prevent online harm, and prepare them for future academic, social, and career opportunities.
What Our Framework Teaches
Through the S3 Digital Citizenship Framework, students learn to:
- Protect their privacy and understand what information should—and shouldn’t—be shared online
- Think critically about the content they encounter, including misinformation
- Communicate respectfully and build positive digital relationships
When these skills are developed from a young age, students are better prepared to navigate digital situations responsibly.
Digital Citizenship Learning Across Grade Levels
By delivering this custom-built curriculum in the general education setting, we empower all students with the independence and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and ethically. Discover how these concepts are introduced across grade levels, and find helpful discussion starters to reinforce learning at home.
Ensuring our digital life reflects our community standards
Growth Mindset
Students develop a growth mindset by learning to troubleshoot technical issues and by choosing the proper digital tools to construct new knowledge.
Equity
Digital citizenship promotes digital access and the use of collaborative technologies to work with peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening mutual understanding.
Whole Wellbeing
A major focus of our "Safe" pillar is digital health and welfare, where students learn the importance of monitoring screen time and finding a healthy balance between digital and physical activities.
Engagement
By becoming Knowledge Constructors, students engage deeply with their learning, using technology to creatively express themselves while respecting intellectual property and copyright.
Relationships
We teach students to communicate respectfully and consider others, emphasizing that digital interactions should be as kind and thoughtful as those in person.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a related and growing area of digital citizenship. Visit our AI Guidance page for more information and resources.