Follow in the Footsteps of Model Citizens as you enter the Digital World.

By Nina Kendall

In today’s world, people have to learn how to navigate the shoals of the real world and digital world. No matter what arena you are navigating a great way to learn is follow the footstep of model citizens. George Washington in his youth copied the Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation which may have served as a guide for behavior during his life. Those rules offer us useful advice in the digital world as well. See how rules from more than 200 years ago support important characteristics of digital citizens today.

Character Trait: Thoughtfulness

Rule:

1st	Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

Be Thoughtful. Treat everyone with respect.   Thing don’t have to be said in person or online. Information and images posted online lasts forever. Make thoughtful choices about what you say and how you say it.

Character Trait: Openness

Rule:

88th	Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

Be Open. Learn the rules and practices of appropriate accepted practices for communicating with others in digital environment. Learn about hashtags and rules for chats. Even in a digital environment some behaviors are frowned upon. Remember communication is a digital two-way street. Listen and speak.

Character Trait: Restraint

Rule:

60th	Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret.

Practice Restraint. Learn the difference between sharing ideas and participating in conversations and revealing personal information. Keep personal information secret to be safe. Discretion is an undervalue practice.