Return to Headlines

Digital Citizenship Week Celebrates Healthy Relationships Between LAUSD and Technology

Digital Citizenship Week Celebrates Healthy Relationships Between LAUSD and Technology

 

Los Angeles Unified School District

Board of Education 

 

 

Scott M. Schmerelson
Board Member, District 3

 

News Release

 

CONTACT
Silvia K. Martinez, 213-241-8333                                    
Silvia.K.Martinez@lausd.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2024

 

 Digital Citizenship Week Celebrates Healthy Relationships Between LAUSD and Technology

Los Angeles (October 22, 2024) - The Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District passed a resolution today, sponsored by Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, co-sponsored by Board President Goldberg, Board Members Kelly Gonez, Dr. Rocio Rivas, Nick Melvoin, Dr. George McKenna III, and Student Board Member Anely Cortez Lopez, and unanimously approved by all board members.

 

The resolution celebrates Digital Citizenship Week in Los Angeles Unified, realizing technological advancements that can assist students, staff, and the entire community with their educational needs and addressing the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, image and video manipulation, and online scams.


“We have seen advancements in the technologies that our students are using daily,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Artificial intelligence can be a good tool for learning but, if misused, can harm our students’ academic performance. Misinformation spreads quickly, and if we do not prepare our students to recognize it, they may be susceptible to what they read online, even if it is verifiably untrue.”

 

“Every year, Los Angeles Unified hosts a week-long celebration of digital citizenship to teach kids how to access the internet in a responsible and safe manner,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “While access to internet resources and a connected world offers benefits, there are challenging and dangerous realities of a world that is readily available at the touch of a button. We remain committed to leading the conversation and fostering safer online environments.”

 

“I strongly support Board Member Schmerelson’s Resolution,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg. “So much of our work and lives these days is done online. Helping our students navigate how to be positive and respectful digital citizens is an absolutely essential part of preparing them for the future.”

 

“In today’s digital world, technology offers our students both opportunities and challenges,” said Board Member Dr. George McKenna III. “Digital Citizenship Week provides young people with the tools and strategies to be ethical and safe online and on devices through appropriate digital behavior.”

 

“Our District must equip students with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape,” said Board Member Dr. Rocio Rivas. “As technology, AI, and information systems become integral to our daily lives, fostering responsible digital citizenship is essential to ensuring our students can meet both the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

 

“It is increasingly important that we help our students navigate both healthy relationships and critical skills when it comes to digital technology,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution to ensure that our classrooms strike the right balance between fostering digital acumen and supporting kids’ mental health.”  

 

“With so much of our communication and information gathering now conducted online, it’s more important than ever that our students have the skills to engage with online materials critically,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “Digital Citizenship Week is a great opportunity to promote awareness of both the benefits and the potential risks of engaging online and enable our students to be proficient digital citizens.”

 

“Keeping our children safe online is a shared responsibility and as technology evolves it's crucial that we prioritize teaching our families and students how to navigate the digital world safely,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “I am proud to support this resolution to provide the tools and resources necessary to ensure everyone understands responsible online behavior.”

 

"In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, educating students about responsible technology use is more crucial than ever,” said Student Board Member Anely Cortez Lopez. “Students consume information at unprecedented speeds, where a single click, swipe, or post can dramatically alter a person’s life. This initiative empowers students to understand technology's significant role in their personal and academic development. I wholeheartedly support this resolution and am eager to see my peers embrace their responsibilities as digital citizens, particularly in this era of rampant misinformation."

 

###