Digital Citizen Safety Script

Warm-Up: Digital Dilemmas (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: how we use our devices and the internet. To start, I want you to think about these scenarios on the board [or project: Warm-Up: Digital Dilemmas]. Take a minute to read them and think about what you would do. You can discuss with a partner quietly if you like."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to read and think/discuss.)

"Alright, let's hear some thoughts. Who can share what they thought about the first scenario? What makes that a tricky situation? And how about the second? What's important to remember there?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, guiding students to recognize the need for careful decision-making online.)

Introduction to Digital Citizenship (5 minutes)

"Great job! Those situations show us that using devices isn't always as simple as it seems. That's why we're going to talk about being a Digital Citizen. Can anyone tell me what it means to be a good citizen in our town or school?"

(Wait for responses, guide towards ideas of following rules, being respectful, helping others.)

"Exactly! Being a good citizen means following rules and being a responsible member of our community. Well, just like we are citizens in our town and school, we are also Digital Citizens when we use the internet and our devices. It means we use technology in a safe, responsible, and respectful way."

"Let's look at our first slide. [Show Digital Citizen Safety Slides - Slide 1: Welcome, Digital Citizens! and Slide 2: What is a Digital Citizen?]. So, a Digital Citizen is someone who uses technology and the internet wisely. It's about taking what we know about being a good person and applying it to the online world."

Safe and Appropriate Use (10 minutes)

"Now, let's dive into some specific ways we can be super digital citizens and keep ourselves safe."

"[Show Digital Citizen Safety Slides - Slide 3: Keep Your Information PRIVATE!]. Our first rule is to Keep Your Information PRIVATE! This means never sharing personal details like your full name, your home address, your phone number, or even the name of your school online. Why do you think this is so important?"

(Encourage responses focusing on safety and privacy.)

"Exactly! We don't want strangers to know too much about us. Also, never share your passwords with anyone, except a trusted adult like your parent or guardian. And be careful about clicking on links or downloading things from people you don't know."

"[Show Digital Citizen Safety Slides - Slide 4: Think Before You Post/Send]. Our next important rule is to Think Before You Post or Send. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Online, it's even harder! Once something is online, it can be there forever. So, before you post a comment, send a message, or share a photo, ask yourself: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? If the answer isn't a clear 'yes' to most of those, it's probably best not to post it."

"[Show Digital Citizen Safety Slides - Slide 5: Be Kind Online!]. This one is simple but powerful: Be Kind Online! Treat everyone with respect, just like you would in person. We never want to be part of cyberbullying or mean comments. If you see someone being unkind online, what should you do?"

(Guide students to say "tell a trusted adult.")

"Absolutely! Always tell a trusted adult if you see or experience anything unkind online."

"[Show Digital Citizen Safety Slides - Slide 6: Smart Choices & Balance]. Finally, let's talk about Smart Choices and Balance. Not everything you read online is true, so it's always good to check with a trusted adult if you're not sure about information. Also, it's really important to balance your screen time with other fun things, like playing outside, reading, or spending time with your family. And remember, if anything online ever makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, TELL A TRUSTED ADULT right away!"

Worksheet Activity (5 minutes)

"You've learned a lot today about being a great digital citizen. Now, you'll get a chance to show what you know. I'm going to hand out this Digital Citizen Worksheet. Please complete it quietly and independently. If you have any questions, raise your hand."

(Distribute worksheets and circulate to assist students.)

Wrap-Up and Review (5 minutes)

"Okay, let's quickly go over the worksheet answers together. [Use Digital Citizen Worksheet Answer Key to review]."

"Fantastic work, everyone! Remember, being a digital citizen means being smart, safe, and kind online. What is one new thing you learned about device safety today?"

(Allow a few students to share their takeaways.)

"Keep practicing these safe habits every time you go online! You're all digital safety stars!"

Warm-Up: Digital Dilemmas

Read the following situations and think about what you would do. Be ready to share your thoughts!

Scenario 1: The New Game

Your friend tells you about a super cool new online game. To play, you need to create an account and it asks for your full name, your home address, and a photo of your school ID. Your friend says it's fine, everyone does it.

What would you do?

Scenario 2: The Embarrassing Photo

You see a photo of a classmate online that someone else posted. It's a silly picture that makes your classmate look a little embarrassed. Some other kids are making fun of it in the comments.

What would you do?

Scenario 3: Too Much Screen Time

You've been playing on your tablet for three hours straight. Your eyes are starting to feel tired, and your parents have called you for dinner twice. You're almost at the next level of your game!

What would you do?

Digital Citizen Worksheet

Part 1: True or False

Read each statement and write "True" or "False" in the space provided.

1. It's okay to share your home address with new friends you meet in an online game.
   
   
   
   

2. Once you post something online, it's very easy to delete it forever.
   
   
   
   

3. Being a good digital citizen means treating others with respect online.
   
   
   
   

4. You should always tell a trusted adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable.
   
   
   
   

5. All information you find on the internet is always true.
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Short Answer

Answer the following questions in 1-2 sentences.

6. What are three pieces of personal information you should never share online?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Before you post a picture or comment online, what are two questions you should ask yourself?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Why is it important to balance your screen time with other activities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. What should you do if you see someone being unkind or bullying another person online?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Digital Citizen Worksheet Answer Key

Part 1: True or False

1. It's okay to share your home address with new friends you meet in an online game.
   False - It is important to keep personal information like your home address private to ensure your safety online.

2. Once you post something online, it's very easy to delete it forever.
   False - Once something is online, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to completely remove it. It's best to think carefully before posting.

3. Being a good digital citizen means treating others with respect online.
   True - A good digital citizen is always respectful and kind to others in online interactions.

4. You should always tell a trusted adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable.
   True - If you encounter anything that makes you feel uneasy or unsafe online, you should immediately inform a trusted adult.

5. All information you find on the internet is always true.
   False - Not everything online is true or reliable. It's important to question information and check with trusted sources or adults.

Part 2: Short Answer

6. What are three pieces of personal information you should never share online?
   You should never share your full name, home address, phone number, or school name online. This helps protect your privacy and safety.

7. Before you post a picture or comment online, what are two questions you should ask yourself?
   Before posting, you should ask yourself: "Is it kind?" and "Is it true?" You can also ask, "Is it necessary?" or "Is it helpful?" These questions help ensure responsible online behavior.

8. Why is it important to balance your screen time with other activities?
   It's important to balance screen time because too much time on devices can affect your eyes, sleep, and physical health. Balancing it with activities like playing outside, reading, and spending time with family helps you stay healthy and well-rounded.

9. What should you do if you see someone being unkind or bullying another person online?
   If you see someone being unkind or bullying another person online, you should immediately tell a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, or teacher. They can help address the situation safely.