BCPS recognized as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified District

TOWSON, MD – Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized Baltimore County Public Schools as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified District.

According to Common Sense, this designation indicates that BCPS has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn, while avoiding online risks, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying.

“We applaud the faculty and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of their students’ education,” said Rebecca Randall, vice president of education programs for Common Sense Education. “Baltimore County Public Schools deserves high praise for giving its students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace and participate ethically in society at large.”

BCPS uses Common Sense Education’s innovative and research-based digital citizenship resources, which were created in collaboration with Dr. Howard Gardner of the GoodPlay Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to staying safe on the Internet, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, managing online relationships, and respecting creative copyright. The free resources are used in more than 100,000 classrooms nationwide.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified District,” said Dr. S. Dallas Dance, BCPS superintendent. “By preparing our students to use technology safely and responsibly, we are providing them unlimited opportunities to maximize and personalize their learning. Digital citizenship is an ongoing priority for us, and we continue to expand and strengthen our activities to keep students and data safe.”

For more information about Baltimore County Public Schools, go to www.bcps.org. To learn more about the criteria BCPS met to become certified as a Common Sense Certified District, visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/certification.

About Common Sense
Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. The organization exists because today’s children are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Common Sense provides families with the advice and media reviews they need to make the best choices for their children. Through its education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens.

For more information about Common Sense, go to www.commonsense.org.