Role-Play Scenarios and Message Frames: Practice Your Power!

Today, you'll get to practice setting boundaries and refusing requests in common online situations. Remember, clear communication is key to protecting your digital space!

Instructions:

1. Work with a partner or in a small group.
2. Choose one of the scenarios below (or create your own).
3. Use the Message Frames provided to help you craft your response.
4. Practice saying your boundary or refusal message out loud.
5. Focus on being clear, confident, and respectful.
6. Switch roles and try another scenario!

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Constant DMer

• Situation: An acquaintance from school keeps sending you direct messages every evening, asking personal questions or trying to start long conversations when you're busy or just want quiet time. You don't want to be rude, but it's becoming overwhelming.
• Your Goal: Politely ask them to reduce their messaging or specify times you're available to chat.

Scenario 2: The Photo Share

• Situation: A friend posts a picture of you online that you feel really uncomfortable with. It's not necessarily inappropriate, but you just don't like how you look, or it captures a private moment you didn't want shared publicly.
• Your Goal: Ask your friend to take the photo down or untag you.

Scenario 3: The Group Chat Pressure

• Situation: You've been added to a large group chat with people you don't know well. The conversation is getting loud, with some people making jokes or sharing content that makes you feel uneasy. You want to leave but don't want to seem rude or unfriendly.
• Your Goal: Find a way to exit the chat or set a boundary about the content.

Scenario 4: The Pressure to Share Too Much

• Situation: Someone you've only talked to online for a short time is asking for your phone number, your address, or other personal details, claiming they want to "get to know you better." You feel uneasy about sharing this much information.
• Your Goal: Politely decline to share personal information and reinforce your boundary.

Message Frames (Use these to help you!):

Setting a Boundary:

• "Hey, I really appreciate you reaching out, but I'm actually not able to chat/respond to DMs after [Time] / during [Activity]."
• "I'm happy to talk, but I need to ask if we could keep the conversation to [Topic] instead of [Other Topic]."
• "I need some space online right now, so I'll be [doing X, like muting notifications, taking a break from that chat]."
• "I'm not comfortable with [X], so I'd appreciate it if we could [do Y instead]."

Refusing a Request:

• "Thanks for asking, but I'm not going to be able to [do that/share that]."
• "I don't feel comfortable [sharing that photo/joining that chat/giving out my personal info]."
• "No, thank you. That's not something I want to do."
• "I understand you want to [X], but for me, [Y] is a firm boundary."

Asking for Content Removal:

• "Hey, could you please take down/untag me from that picture? I'm not really comfortable with it being online."
• "I appreciate you sharing, but I'd really prefer if that content wasn't public. Could you remove it?"

School Policy Quick Guide: Your Online Safety

At [School Name], we are committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment, both in person and online. This guide summarizes key policies that help protect you while using digital platforms.

1. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):

• Be Respectful: All online communication and interactions should be respectful, positive, and free from bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
• Academic Honesty: Use school devices and networks for educational purposes. Plagiarism and cheating rules apply to online work.
• Privacy: Do not share personal information (yours or others
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2. Cyberbullying & Harassment:

• Zero Tolerance: Cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation of any kind (including through texts, social media, emails, or gaming platforms) is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
• What to Do: If you experience or witness cyberbullying:
  1. Do NOT Respond: Engaging can make the situation worse.
  2. Save Evidence: Take screenshots or save messages.
  3. Report Immediately: Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) or use the school reporting system (see below).

3. Reporting Inappropriate Content or Behavior:

• Your Responsibility: If you see something online that makes you or others feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or violates school policy, it is your responsibility to report it.
• How to Report:
  • Tell a Teacher or Counselor: Speak directly to any trusted adult at school.
  • School Reporting Form/System: [Insert details if your school has an anonymous reporting form or system, e.g., "Fill out a confidential report form in the main office" or "Use the anonymous online reporting link on the school website."]
  • Trusted Adult at Home: Inform a parent or guardian.

4. Privacy and Personal Information:

• Think Before You Share: Once something is online, it can be very difficult to remove. Consider who might see it and how it could be used.
• Protect Your Accounts: Keep your passwords private and use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
• Permissions: Always ask for permission before posting photos or information about others.

5. Consequences of Policy Violations:

• Violations of these policies can result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension from school devices/networks, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and involvement of law enforcement if illegal activities are suspected.

Exit Ticket: My Safety Move

Name:


Date:

My Commitment to Online Safety

Think about what we discussed today regarding online boundaries, consent, and privacy tools. What is ONE specific safety move you will make or use in the future? This could be:

• A boundary-setting message you plan to use.
• A refusal message you feel confident saying.
• A specific in-app privacy setting you will adjust.
• A reporting tool you now know how to use.

My Safety Move is:

How will this move help you protect your online space or well-being?