Cyber-Superhero Script

Warm-Up: Digital Detectives (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, Cyber-Superheroes! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for how we act and stay safe when we're online. We spend a lot of time on computers, tablets, and phones, right? So, we need to make sure we're being good 'digital citizens.'"

"Turn to a partner for one minute and discuss these two questions: What do you think 'digital citizenship' means? And what do you think 'cyberbullying' might look like?"

(Allow 1 minute for discussion. Circulate and listen to student ideas. Bring the class back together.)

Teacher: "Great ideas, everyone! Digital citizenship is all about being a responsible, respectful, and safe person online, just like we are in real life. And sometimes, unfortunately, people aren't always respectful online. That's where cyberbullying comes in."

Understanding Cyberbullying (10 minutes)

(Transition to Cyber-Superhero Slide Deck - Slide 2: What is Cyberbullying?)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is cyberbullying? It's bullying that happens using technology, like phones, computers, or tablets. Just like bullying in person, it's when someone repeatedly tries to hurt, scare, or embarrass another person. The big difference is it happens online."

"Take a look at these examples on the slide. Cyberbullying can be: sending mean messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without permission, or even leaving someone out of an online game or group on purpose. Has anyone heard of or seen any of these things happen before?"

(Allow a few students to share, guiding them to describe situations without naming names or specifics. Emphasize that it's common, and why we need to talk about it.)

Teacher: "It's important to remember that words and actions online can have a big impact, just like they do in person. Cyberbullying can make people feel really sad, scared, angry, or alone. But the good news is, we can all be cyber-superheroes and help stop it!"

Becoming a Cyber-Superhero: Strategies (10 minutes)

(Transition to Cyber-Superhero Slide Deck - Slide 3: Strategy 1: STOP!)

Teacher: "Our first superpower strategy is STOP! If someone is cyberbullying you, the very first thing to do is not respond. It can be really hard when you're upset or angry, but responding usually makes the situation worse. The bully might want a reaction, and by not giving them one, you take away some of their power."

"Instead of typing back, take a deep breath, close the app, or walk away from your device. Give yourself a moment. This is a very powerful first step."

(Transition to Cyber-Superhero Slide Deck - Slide 4: Strategy 2: BLOCK!)

Teacher: "Our second superpower is BLOCK! If someone is sending you mean messages or bothering you online, you can often block them. Most apps, games, and social media platforms have a 'block' button. When you block someone, they can no longer send you messages or see your posts. It's like putting up a digital shield!"

"This is a great way to create a barrier between you and the cyberbully. Who can tell me why blocking might be an important step?"

(Wait for a few student responses, e.g., 'So they can't bother you anymore,' 'To make them stop.')

(Transition to Cyber-Superhero Slide Deck - Slide 5: Strategy 3: TELL!)

Teacher: "Our third, and perhaps most important, superpower is TELL! You should never have to deal with cyberbullying alone. It's crucial to tell a trusted adult what's happening. Who are some trusted adults you could tell?"

(List student suggestions on the board: parents, guardians, teachers, principals, school counselors, older siblings, coaches.)

Teacher: "Exactly! These adults care about you and can help. When you tell them, try to show them the evidence, like a screenshot of the message. This helps them understand what happened and figure out the best way to help you. Remember, telling an adult isn't 'tattling' when someone is hurting you or others. It's asking for help to stay safe."

"Now, let's practice these strategies. I'm going to hand out the Cyber-Superhero Worksheet with a few scenarios. I want you to read each scenario and write down how you would use STOP, BLOCK, and TELL to respond."

(Distribute Cyber-Superhero Worksheet. Circulate to assist students as they work.)

Wrap-Up: Cool Down (5 minutes)

(Collect Cyber-Superhero Worksheet. Distribute Cyber-Superhero Cool Down.)

Teacher: "Great work applying those strategies! To finish up our lesson, please take a moment to complete this Cyber-Superhero Cool Down. I want you to write down one important thing you learned today, or one way you can be a 'Cyber-Superhero' in your online interactions."

(Allow students to complete. Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.)

(Transition to Cyber-Superhero Slide Deck - Slide 6: Be a Cyber-Superhero!)

Teacher: "Remember, being a Cyber-Superhero means using your powers of STOP, BLOCK, and TELL to keep yourself and your friends safe online. Let's all commit to making our online world a kinder, more respectful place. Thank you, Cyber-Superheroes!"

Cyber-Superhero Warm Up

Welcome, future Cyber-Superheroes! Before we dive into our mission, let's get our brains warmed up.

Take a minute to discuss with a partner:

1. What do you think "digital citizenship" means? (Hint: Think about being a good citizen in your community, but online!)
   
   
   
   
2. What do you think "cyberbullying" might look like? Can you imagine any examples of unkind behavior happening online?
   
   
   
   

Cyber-Superhero Training: Stopping Cyberbullying

Name: ________________________

Great job learning about cyberbullying! Now it's time to practice your Cyber-Superhero moves. For each scenario below, imagine you are the person experiencing or witnessing the cyberbullying. Write down how you would use the STOP, BLOCK, and TELL strategies.

Scenario 1:

Your classmate, Alex, keeps sending you mean messages through a gaming app during online play. They say you're bad at the game and that no one wants to play with you.

• STOP (What would you NOT do? What would you do instead?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• BLOCK (How would you use this strategy?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• TELL (Who would you tell and what would you say?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2:

You see a group of students in your class posting embarrassing pictures of another student, Maya, on a social media app. They are making fun of her in the comments.

• STOP (What would you NOT do? What would you do instead?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• BLOCK (How would you use this strategy?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• TELL (Who would you tell and what would you say?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3:

Someone you don't know well from school sends you a message that says, "You're ugly and no one likes your clothes." They send it through a messaging app.

• STOP (What would you NOT do? What would you do instead?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• BLOCK (How would you use this strategy?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• TELL (Who would you tell and what would you say?):
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Cyber-Superhero Cool Down

Name: ________________________

Congratulations, Cyber-Superhero! You've learned some important skills today.

In your own words, write down one important thing you learned about cyberbullying or one way you can be a 'Cyber-Superhero' in your online interactions.