From primary school to sixth form, new programmes are being launched to guide pupils towards the informed, safe and responsible use of technology
How can you spot fake news? What information is best not to share online? What lies behind the content suggested by platforms? How can we use artificial intelligence responsibly? And how can we help make the internet a more respectful and inclusive space?
Being a digital citizen means learning to navigate environments that are now part of everyday life, whilst understanding their opportunities, rules and risks. For this reason, in the new school year, the Fondazione Mondo Digitale is offering digital citizenship programmes aimed at pupils, with activities tailored to primary school, lower secondary school and upper secondary school.
The aim is to support children and young people in developing the skills needed to manage their online identity safely and positively, to critically evaluate information and content, to protect their data and privacy, and to communicate in an ethical and respectful manner. The programme is consistent with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Merit and with the AGCOM policy document on digital citizenship education, and aligns with the European frameworks DigComp and DigCompEdu. The activities can also be incorporated into the compulsory hours of civic education.
A programme that grows with the pupils
For primary schools, there will be five online sessions, from 7 October to 2 November, focusing on topics relevant to young children’s experiences: recognising false information and early attempts at scams, preventing aggressive behaviour online, respecting diversity, protecting data and passwords, and finding a balance between screen time, wellbeing and relationships.
For lower and upper secondary schools, the ‘Patentino’ programme consists of nine practical and interactive online training modules. It begins with digital identity and online reputation, progressively addressing disinformation and scams, cyberbullying and hate speech, inclusion, privacy and security. The programme also delves into the less visible mechanisms of the digital experience, helping young people to understand how algorithms, recommendation systems and online advertising work. There is also a focus on digital wellbeing, artificial intelligence, creativity and forms of civic participation via the internet.
At the end of each module, teachers can access teaching sheets, resources and further reading to continue the work in the classroom and integrate the activities into the curriculum. The full course concludes with a final test and the award of a certificate.
For upper secondary schools, subject to an agreement with the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, the programme may also be recognised as work-related training (12 hours).
The Digital Citizenship Certificate thus becomes not an end in itself, but an educational tool: an opportunity to transform the experiences that young people have every day online into civic skills, critical thinking and responsibility.
Discover the programmes, timetables and how to take part, and register your class.
Digital Citizenship Licence for students
