DiGITAL CITIZENSHIP
FOR TEACHERS:
Setting the boundaries
Aligned with the Data Privacy Act of 2012
(RA 10173)
Raymond Laurence S. Aguas, LPT
ICT – SAC, Data Protection Officer
What Is Digital Citizenship?
• Being a responsible digital citizen means using
technology ethically, legally, and professionally.
• Teachers must lead by example and ensure the
privacy, safety, and well-being of their students in
digital spaces.
Core Principles from the Data Privacy
Act
(RA 10173)
As educators and data handlers, teachers are expected to have:
• Transparency – Let students/parents know how their data will
be used.
• Legitimate Purpose – Collect and use data only for clear
educational reasons.
• Proportionality – Don’t collect more data than necessary.
• Consent – Always get permission before collecting or sharing
personal data.
• Security – Keep all student data safe and confidential.
Best Practices for Teachers
Model Responsible Online
Behavior
•Use respectful, inclusive language in
online platforms.
•Avoid posting content that may damage
your or your students’ reputations.
•Be professional in all forms of digital
communication.
Protect Privacy & Student Data
• Use school-approved tools and platforms.
• Secure files with passwords or encryption.
• Dispose of documents with sensitive info
properly.
• Never use personal devices to store student
data without proper safeguards.
Promote Digital Literacy
• Teach students how to spot fake news and
misinformation.
• Encourage critical thinking when consuming
online content.
• Include lessons on online etiquette, digital
footprint, and screen time.
Respect Copyright & Ethical Use
•Cite sources and teach students to do
the same.
•Use open-source or Creative Commons
materials.
•Follow fair use rules when showing
content in class.
Help Build Positive Digital
Footprints
•Guide students in building professional
online portfolios.
•Educate them on the long-term impact
of online behavior.
•Promote kindness and respect in digital
interactions.
⚠️ Real-World Issues
Teachers Must Handle
Properly
📱 Creating Group Chats
✅ Get consent before adding students and
/or parents.
✅ Use official platforms when possible.
❌ Don’t discuss sensitive student matters in
group chats.
❌ Avoid managing parent chats using
personal social media accounts.
🗂 Collecting Data About a Student
Case
In relation to Article IV Section 4 (Code of Ethics):
✅ Inform students/parents why data is being
collected.
✅ Submit data to your admin or DPO.
❌ Don’t gather data informally or without consent.
❌ Avoid storing it on personal devices or drives.
📢 Sharing Information About Student
Cases
✅ Only share with authorized staff (e.g., principal,
guidance counselor).
✅ Use secure, private channels (not chats or
public forums).
❌ Never share with unrelated parents or
teachers.
❌ Avoid casual or public discussions about
private matters.
💬 Messaging Students on Social
Media
✅ Keep communication on official school
platforms only.
✅ Maintain professional boundaries at all
times.
❌ Don’t send or reply to personal
messages.
❌ Never comment on a student’s personal
posts or photos.
📸 Posting Class Photos/Videos on
Social Media
✅ Get written consent from parents before
posting.
✅ Blur or avoid showing faces, especially in
public accounts.
❌ Don’t tag students or mention full names.
❌ Avoid using your personal accounts to post
classroom content.
📤 Forwarding Student Work or Info to
Colleagues
✅ Share only when necessary, and only through
secure channels.
✅ Keep files password-protected if sent via
email.
❌ Don’t share screenshots or private student
data in teacher group chats.
❌ Avoid gossiping or casual sharing of student
issues.
🧍♂️ Recording Online Classes Without
Notice
✅ Inform students/parents before recording.
✅ Clarify how and where the video will be stored
and used.
❌ Don’t record without consent.
❌ Avoid uploading recordings publicly or to
personal YouTube/Facebook.
🧍🎓 Engaging with Former Students
Online
✅ Keep interactions professional.
❌ Avoid private or overly familiar
conversations, even if they're “just
friendly.”
❌ Don’t share school-related content
with former students unless officially
permitted.
📌 Final Reminders
• Always document consent when collecting or sharing
student info.
• Regularly update your knowledge of digital tools and
privacy laws.
• Report data breaches or concerns to your school’s
Data Protection Officer (DPO).
• Keep a clear separation between your personal and
professional digital presence.