The Issue

NAMLE, Common Sense Kids Action, Media Literacy Now, and the Digital Citizenship Institute recognize that media and technology have become commonplace in all areas of our lives. In our classrooms, students must learn how to safely, ethically, responsibly, and effectively use media and technology resources.

Kids have never had as much access to the internet, media, and mobile technologies at home and school as they do today. Schools can play a critical role by educating, empowering, and engaging children with the best practices around consuming and producing media. While media and technology have great promise for learning, young people need support and education to learn how to make sound judgments when navigating the digital world.

School administrators and educators are now faced with new and at times overwhelming challenges, such as those related to privacy, digital footprints, cyberbullying, and sexting.

The Solution

NAMLE, Common Sense Kids Action, Media Literacy Now, and the Digital Citizenship Institute have developed a comprehensive legislative solution for policymakers to use as a model to implement quality digital citizenship and media literacy training within their states.

Model Bill

Our recommendation to develop a plan to implement instruction in media literacy based on recommendations and strategies provided by an advisory committee.

Get The Model Bill

Policy Paper

A legislative solution underscoring the need for digital citizenship, digital learning and media literacy skills to be part of the educational curriculum in public schools.

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Proposal

The creation of a state-based advisory committee composed of educators, administrators, researchers, and parents who will work under the oversight of the state education agency.
Districts to annually renew their policies and procedures on digital citizenship and media literacy.

The Advisory Committee

Develop best practices, resources, and models for instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy.
Develop strategies that will support school districts in local implementation of the best practices and recommendations, including strategies for delivering professional development to educators and administrators.

Our Goal

We must empower and educate youth with the tools and resources to take full advantage of the digital age. Our organizations believe in this comprehensive approach to digital citizenship and media literacy legislation that engages thought leaders, educators, parents, and policymakers in developing the educational practices needed. We believe good online behavior mimics good offline behavior and that there is no differentiating between the two when it comes to safety.