Student survey notes drop in online respect post-COVID, say CBE officials 

Among the changes in the return to pre-COVID normalcy, a CBE student drop in digital citizenship was “not a surprise.” 

During the regular board of trustee meeting, trustees reviewed results of the 2023/24 student survey. 

The survey allows students to anonymously provide feedback on their experiences at school. The survey is conducted annually and takes between 60 and 80 minutes to complete, according to a note sent out to parents and guardians of the Bishop Pinkham School. 

Among the reviewed results of the 2023/24 student survey, CBE students have shown strong levels of student agreement across key areas of personal and social development. Six of the seven summary measures have overall agreement levels over 88 per cent and four are over 90 per cent, according to Chief Superintendent Joanne Pitman. 

Among survey questions, the statement “I treat people with the same respect online as I would face to face,” saw a decline in approval rating to 83.2 per cent, a nine per cent drop since the last time the question was asked, according to Trustee Laura Hack. Responses among grade eight and nine students fell below 80 per cent. 

“This may reflect the rise of texting or social media platform-based communications, the influence of negative online role models and the lack of immediate feedback and digital interactions,” said Mike Nelson, Superintendent of School Improvement. 

The results highlight the need for continued focus on middle school learners. Specifically, developing resources that teach responsible decision making, relationship skills and self-management in digital environments, according to Nelson. 

“This is one example of how we are working to support students in the areas where students themselves are identifying they are wanting and requiring our support,” he said. 

CBE Trustee Marilyn Dennis, said that the results show a lack of “basic social skills.” 

“There may be a struggle with the development of basic social skills, if you’re treating somebody differently online as you would face to face,” she said. 

“I recognize certainly that we as adults, and certainly our students as well, are impacted by influencers, algorithms and a culture that has shifted over time from a telephone conversation to an email, now to a text.” 

The last time this question was asked in the student survey was the 2020/21 school year, when many students experienced back-and-forth virtual and in-person learning.  

“We are not necessarily surprised to see this shift in results, as a result respect online and digital citizenship are key areas of our focus,” said Jennifer Turner, Superintendent of School Improvement. 

“I hope that our students all learn that having conversations with the people next to you is just as fun as getting a text,” said Dennis.

CBE encourages digital citizenship dialogue at and away from school

Digital citizenship skills are part of the physical education, wellness, health and life skills curriculums, as well as the Information and Communication Technology program of studies, according to a CBE statement. 

“These skills are also aligned with the CBE’s Student Wellbeing Framework. Each CBE school creates a Digital Citizenship Plan that is updated annually,” the statement read. 

“The plans outline how the school will promote responsible technology use and build a learning environment of positive digital engagement.” 

Schools have access to resources and support to help them integrate digital citizenship into teaching and learning, the statement said. 

“As students develop their understanding of online safety and responsibility, we are committed to supporting them in a safe environment that gradually expands their experiences online,” the statement read.

“We encourage families to have open dialogue with their children about digital citizenship, safety on the internet, and responsible conduct online and offline.”