A Declaration of Digital Rights: Guiding Students to Safer Online Choices
Explore the Declaration of Digital Rights, a youth-led initiative empowering students to navigate the digital world safely, protect privacy, and tackle Big Tech challenges.
As a young man in my teens and 20s during the heyday of online gaming and social media, I remember how thrilling it was to connect with friends worldwide in real time, whether it was teaming up for late-night matches or sharing highlights on emerging platforms. But even then, I could see the pitfalls—oversharing personal details, encountering toxic behaviors, and realizing how much of my data was out of my hands. Today, I see young people falling into the same, and often even worse, traps—absorbed by addictive algorithms, exposed to harmful content, and losing control of their online privacy.
This is why young people's online challenges demand our attention—not just from educators and parents but also from the general public. Today’s students are growing up in a digital world where Big Tech shapes so much of their lives—often without their input. As educators, we see firsthand the challenges our students face online: harmful content, privacy concerns and addictive algorithms. But here’s the good news: We have tools to help guide our students. The Declaration of Digital Rights, a youth-led initiative spearheaded by Design It for Us, lays out a powerful framework for navigating the online world safely and responsibly.
Why Digital Rights Matter in Your Classroom
You know as well as anyone that teaching digital citizenship isn’t just a "nice to have" anymore—it’s essential. From protecting personal data to fostering healthy habits online, our students need these skills to thrive today. The Declaration of Digital Rights doesn’t just spotlight the problems; it empowers students and educators with solutions. And let’s face it: When young people lead the way—as they have done with this declaration—the message hits home.
The 12 Digital Rights (and How They Apply to Your Students)
The Declaration highlights 12 key rights, all designed with young people in mind. Here’s how a few of them might resonate in your classroom:
- The Right to Privacy: Teach students why protecting their data matters and how they can take control (perfect for a digital literacy unit).
- The Right to Safety: Discuss the impact of harmful content and what tools exist to navigate social media safely.
- The Right to Transparency: Encourage students to question how platforms work—and whose interests they serve.
Each of these rights connects directly to what we’re already doing in schools: empowering students to make informed, responsible decisions online. Read about the rest of them in the full document here.
How to Use the Declaration in Your Teaching
This document isn’t just for reading—it’s a springboard for action. Here are three easy ways to use it:
- Spark Discussions: Host a classroom debate on which digital rights matter most and why. You might be surprised by how passionate students get!
- What does "digital rights" mean to you, and why do you think they’re important?
- Which of the 12 digital rights stands out to you the most, and why?
- How do you think Big Tech companies could better protect young people online?
- What steps can you take to protect your privacy and safety online?
- Imagine creating a new "digital right" to add to the declaration. What would it be?
- Incorporate It Into Lessons: Use the declaration to teach digital citizenship, social studies or persuasive writing.
- Activity idea: Ask students to write a letter advocating for one of these rights.
- Engage Families: Share the declaration during a parent-teacher night or as part of a school newsletter. Helping families navigate the digital world benefits everyone. Learn more about family engagement here.
Join the Movement for Digital Rights
The Declaration of Digital Rights is a wake-up call and a guide. By introducing it to your students, you’re not just teaching them about the internet—you’re giving them the tools to shape its future.
Ready to get started? Download the Declaration of Digital Rights today, explore Share My Lesson’s digital citizenship resources, and join us in helping students take charge of their digital lives. Together, we can create a safer, more mindful online world.
Let’s equip the next generation to navigate the internet with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of agency. And let’s keep showing young people that when they stand up for their rights—online or offline—their voices matter.
Andy Kratochvil is a proud member of the AFT Share My Lesson team, where he’s passionate about discovering and sharing top-tier content with educators across the country. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and French from California State University, Fullerton, and later completed... See More
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