Short Research Article: Promoting digital citizenship through a school-based intervention in early adolescence in Perú (a pilot quasi-experimental study)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a school-based intervention to promote digital citizenship (DC) in Perú.

Methods: We piloted a translation and cultural adaptation of a DC curriculum originally designed for the U.S. with students in Perú. Students were assigned to either the Intervention group (n = 136, 52% female; mean age = 13.3) or Control group (n = 130, 55% female; mean age = 13.4). Students in the Control group continued with "business-as-usual" during their advisory period while the Intervention group received the DC curriculum.

Results: We found limited evidence that the DC curriculum can promote positive online experience and online conflict resolution skills, as well as increase knowledge regarding DC terms and concepts. However, the lack of strong effects suggests the need to revise materials, improve implementation and consider further adaptations. Nonetheless, results from this proof-of-concept study provide building blocks for future implementations of DC interventions for youth in Latin America.

Keywords: Digital citizenship (DC); adolescents; digital media; school-based intervention.