the Role of Socialization Institutions in Spreading “Digital Citizenship Values” to Achieve Sustainable Development: A Field Study in Cairo Governorate

The research aimed at investigating the efficiency of the role of Socialization institutions in spreading “Digital Citizenship Values”. The aims of research included: Recognizing awareness of Digital Citizenship Values on the part of the people responsible for the process of children Socialization, determining the number of hours which the research subject/ or participants spend surfing the internet, realizing the way in which the research participants practice the values of digital citizenship while surfing the internet, evaluating the role of socialization institutions in spreading the values of digital citizenship among children in the age group from 5 to 9, Exploring the behavior and conduct of children using the internet, and finally, examining the nature of the content that children watch online. The research has been conducted on four categories including 75 participants/ subjects: 20 children (age group: 5-9), 15 mothers, 20 teachers, 20 (students/ teachers).
The research has been carried out in schools and nurseries belonging to Al Zeitoun Education sector/ administration- Cairo Governorate. There included: Al-Salam Official College for Primary Education, Al- Galil Primary school, and Kazem Agha primary School. The Research utilized the descriptive approach while also relying on the Social Survey method with regard to the Four Categories under study (mothers – teachers- student/ teachers- and Children). The research also made use of historical data pertaining to theories which enhance understanding of the research topic. To collect information, the research relied on two Interview Guide: first: for, mothers, teachers, and student teachers were interviewed, second: for children interviews and individual interviews were also conducted. Focus groups were also subject to interviews. The research used Ribble Standards for digital Citizenship Values.
The most significant finding of the research: Smart Phones are the most widely used gadgets for surfing the internet. People responsible for Children Socialization in our Digital age do not have a clear understanding of Digital citizenship. Things that annoyed people the most included: sending immoral pictures via the internet, stealing internet accounts, and attempts at online friendship/ dating. Children also watch and play songs as well as games and programs which are inappropriate for their ages, this could be attributed to lack of awareness on the part of mothers and teachers. Children also play games that motivate them towards violent behavior with people around them.

The research recommends the establishment of Digital data- base that includes Web sites that could be considered a reliable source for news and information and that can be used to check good and bad Digital games so that users can recognize appropriate and inappropriate content. The research also recommends making a list of sites, games and programs that might jeopardize the children is Psychological, Social, future and Physical health. Eventually, it is also recommended to direct mass media to inform society members about the digital culture and enhance their awareness of this culture.