INFO 5347 · Digital Citizenship · University of North Texas
The 9 Elements
of Digital Citizenship
A curated resource collection by James Nowlin
Digital citizenship is the responsible use of technology — the norms, skills, and judgment that let people participate fully and safely in digital life. Mike Ribble's framework breaks it into nine elements: not just rules to memorize, but a way of thinking about access, behavior, and responsibility online.
This collection gathers real-world resources for each element, chosen with a public librarian's eye — materials you can hand to a patron, build a workshop around, or use to plan your library's own digital citizenship work.
The S3 Framework
Ribble groups the nine elements under three guiding principles — every resource in this collection serves one of them.
Safety
Protection from harm — staying safe and healthy in digital spaces.
Savvy
Educated, informed use — understanding technology deeply enough to use it well.
Social
Respectful participation — engaging with others and society responsibly online.
The Nine Elements
Digital Access
Full electronic participation in society — equitable access to technology and digital spaces.
Explore resources 02 SavvyDigital Commerce
The electronic buying and selling of goods and services — being an informed, ethical consumer online.
Explore resources 03 SavvyDigital Communication and Collaboration
The electronic exchange of information — communicating and collaborating effectively with digital tools.
Explore resources 04Digital Etiquette
Electronic standards of conduct — treating others with respect in digital spaces.
Explore resources 05 SavvyDigital Fluency
Understanding technology and its use — knowing not just how tools work, but when and why.
Explore resources 06 SafetyDigital Health and Welfare
Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.
Explore resources 07Digital Law
Electronic responsibility for actions and deeds — the legal rights and restrictions of technology use.
Explore resources 08Digital Rights and Responsibilities
The freedoms and duties extended to everyone in a digital world.
Explore resources 09 SafetyDigital Security and Privacy
Electronic precautions to guarantee safety — protecting yourself and your data.
Explore resources