Children’s digital citizenship: creating pedagogical research settings with youth in online Environment

Abstract

This study aims to develop a potential research framework with two young participants from Turkey for a further investigation into digital citizenship. In this context, digital citizenship is defined as the extent to which social, political, and cultural participation occurs in online environments, focusing on the involvement of children. Preliminary investigations and observations regarding this issue indicate that young people find a space to build their identities and express themselves through digital environments more than the physical world. However, they may also refrain from sharing or posting as ways of expression. This study intends to explore the digital experiences of youth in Turkey, considering their perspectives on being challengers or abstainers in the digital realm. The goal is to develop pedagogical tools that can foster an inclusive environment and prevent the impacts of polarization on youth imaginaries.