A few posts ago, we mentioned Common Sense Media in passing, but we would be remiss if we ignored a recent and very laudable initiative from that same U.S. organisation.

Larry Magid at CNET News reports that the non-profit resource has developed a new educational curriculum, the Digital Literacy and Citizenship Initiative, aimed at raising ”a generation of responsible, smart, and safe digital citizens.”

Importantly, it appears to avoid any suggestion of lecturing, or indeed any trace of fearmongering, while based on a foundation of knowledge and respect towards young people. It is built around five units:

• Digital life: “How the anytime-anywhere-everywhere nature of digital media requires responsible choices.”
• Privacy and digital footprints: How to manage privacy online.
• Connected culture: How to build respectful one-on-one, group, and community relationships online and protect against cyberbullying.
• Self-expression and reputation: Who we are in various online contexts and how to protect your reputation in the process.
• Respecting creative work: How to get credit for original creations and respect others’ creative property.

It probably goes without saying, that Hot Topics approves wholeheartedly.