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Digital Citizens: Words Matter

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Jessica Leone

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Digital Citizens: Words Matter Lesson Plan

Students will define digital citizenship, analyze the impact of online words, identify cyberbullying, and recognize key aspects of NJ HIB laws.

In an increasingly digital world, understanding how to interact safely and respectfully online is crucial for students' well-being and academic success. This lesson equips students with the knowledge to make responsible choices and protect themselves and others.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and a reflective activity.

Materials

Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (#digital-citizenship-slide-deck), Digital Dilemma Scenarios: Group Reflection (#digital-dilemma-scenarios-worksheet), and Exit Ticket: Digital Pledge (#digital-pledge-cool-down)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print copies of the Digital Dilemma Scenarios: Group Reflection (one per small group).
    - Print copies of the Exit Ticket: Digital Pledge (one per student).
    - Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the slide deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Online World Brainstorm

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to be a good citizen in our town or school?" (Allow a few responses).
    - Transition to: "What about being a good citizen online? What does that even mean?"
    - Project Slide 1 and facilitate a quick class brainstorm, listing student ideas on the board or chart paper. Introduce the term 'Digital Citizen'.

Step 2

Introduction to Digital Citizenship

10 minutes

  • Use Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (Slides 2-4) to introduce digital citizenship.
    - Discuss the concept of online identity and reputation. Emphasize that actions and words online have real-world consequences.
    - Engage students with questions like: "How do your words online make someone feel?"

Step 3

The Power of Words & Cyberbullying

10 minutes

  • Use Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (Slides 5-9) to introduce the power of words, cyberbullying, and the activity.
    - Introduce the concept of cyberbullying. Discuss what it looks like and how it differs from other forms of bullying.
    - Distribute the Digital Dilemma Scenarios: Group Reflection. Divide students into small groups to discuss the scenarios and answer the questions. Circulate to guide discussions and then bring the class back together for a brief share-out on their choices and reasoning.
  • Use Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (Slide 9) to discuss real-life examples of cyberbullying that can be HIB.

Step 4

NJ HIB Laws & What to Do

10 minutes

  • Use Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (Slides 10-13) to explain New Jersey's Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) laws in an age-appropriate way.
    - Emphasize that HIB laws protect students both in school and online. Briefly explain what constitutes HIB under NJ law.
    - Discuss strategies for dealing with cyberbullying: saving evidence, blocking, telling a trusted adult, and not escalating the situation.
    - Role-play quick scenarios if time permits: "What would you do if...?"

Step 5

Cool-Down: Digital Pledge

5 minutes

  • Use Digital Citizens: Words Matter Slide Deck (Slide 12) to introduce the Exit Ticket.
    - Distribute the Exit Ticket: Digital Pledge.
    - Have students complete the pledge to be responsible digital citizens.
    - Collect the exit tickets as students leave. Review them to gauge understanding and identify any areas needing further discussion.
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Slide Deck

Digital Citizens: Words Matter

What does it mean to be a good citizen in our town or school?
What about online?

Welcome students and kick off the lesson by asking about good citizenship in general. Connect it to the online world. This slide sets the stage and introduces the main topic.

What is a Digital Citizen?

Someone who uses technology responsibly, respectfully, and safely.
It's about making good choices when you're online!

Introduce the term 'Digital Citizen.' Explain that it's about being responsible, respectful, and safe when using the internet and other digital tools.

Your Online Identity

What you say and do online creates your 'digital footprint.'
This footprint lasts a long time!
It shows others who you are, just like your actions in real life.

Discuss the idea of an 'online identity.' Ask students if they think their online self is different from their real-life self. Emphasize consistency in positive behavior.

Real World, Online World

The internet feels separate, but it's connected to our real lives.
Your words and actions online can affect people in the real world.
Think before you post or send!

Reinforce that online actions have real-world impact. Give examples like comments on social media, shared photos, or messages to friends. Ask for student examples.

The Power of Your Words

Your words have power!
They can be positive and helpful:

  • Sharing knowledge
  • Encouraging friends
  • Spreading kindness

Start with the positive power of words. Ask students to share examples of how they've seen positive words used online (e.g., encouragement, sharing knowledge).

Words Can Hurt

Unfortunately, words can also be used to harm:

  • Spreading rumors
  • Making fun of others
  • Saying mean things
    This can make people feel sad, angry, or alone.

Shift to the negative impact. Define 'negative impact' in terms of hurting feelings, spreading misinformation, or damaging reputations. Ask students to think about how they've felt when they've seen negative comments.

What is Cyberbullying & HIB Online?

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology (like phones, computers, or gaming systems) to repeatedly or seriously hurt, harass, or embarrass another person. In New Jersey, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) is any intentional act that is reasonably perceived as being driven by any actual or perceived characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored event, on a school bus, or off school grounds (like online) that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students. This kind of behavior, including cyberbullying, is against our state's HIB laws.

Clearly define cyberbullying and link it directly to NJ HIB laws. Emphasize that HIB covers online actions. Introduce the idea that examples will be on the next slide. Discuss the literal definition with students.

Digital Dilemmas: Your Turn!

Work in groups to discuss real-life online situations.
How will you respond as a good digital citizen?

Introduce the 'Digital Dilemma Scenarios' worksheet. Explain that students will work in small groups to discuss realistic online situations and apply what they've learned about digital citizenship and HIB laws. Emphasize critical thinking and discussion.

Cyberbullying & HIB: Real-Life Examples

Examples of cyberbullying that can be HIB:

  • Sending mean, disrespectful, or threatening messages.
  • Spreading rumors or lies about someone on social media.
  • Posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone without their permission or to make fun of them.
  • Leaving someone out of online groups on purpose to make them feel bad.

Use this slide to discuss concrete examples of cyberbullying that could be considered HIB under New Jersey law. Encourage students to think about why each example fits the HIB definition.

Why Do NJ HIB Laws Matter?

New Jersey has these laws to make sure every student feels safe, respected, and can focus on learning. They are designed to prevent harm, encourage positive interactions, and make sure our school is a welcoming place for everyone. These laws apply to actions in school, on the bus, at school events, and online.

Discuss the positive intent behind HIB laws – to protect students and create a positive school environment. Reiterate the broad scope of where these laws apply.

How Does HIB Affect Our Community?

When HIB happens, it can make others feel scared, sad, or alone. It disrupts learning and makes our school less friendly. Reporting HIB isn't 'telling on someone,' it's about making our school and online spaces safer for everyone.

Shift the focus to the broader impact of HIB on the school community. Emphasize that reporting is a brave and responsible action for the well-being of all students.

My Digital Pledge

Reflect on what you've learned today.
Make a personal commitment to being a responsible digital citizen.

Introduce the 'Digital Pledge' exit ticket. Explain that this is a chance for students to reflect on their learning and make a personal commitment to positive online behavior. Remind them it's a way to check understanding.

What Can You Do?

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying or HIB:

  1. Don't respond or retaliate.
  2. Save the evidence. Take screenshots.
  3. Block the person.
  4. Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor).
  5. Remember, you are not alone!

Focus on actionable steps. Empower students to know what to do if they or someone they know experiences cyberbullying or HIB. Emphasize telling a trusted adult.

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Worksheet

Digital Dilemma Scenarios: Group Reflection

Objective: To analyze online situations in small groups and reflect on responsible digital citizenship.

Instructions:

  1. In your small group, read each scenario carefully.
  2. Discuss the questions provided for each scenario.
  3. Write down your group's answers in the space provided.

Scenario 1: The Embarrassing Photo

You see a photo of a classmate online that makes fun of them. It was posted by someone else, and a few other students are commenting with laughing emojis.

  1. What is happening in this scenario, and how might it make the person in the photo feel?






  2. What are two possible actions someone who sees this could take, and what is the best choice? Why?






  3. How does this scenario relate to being a responsible digital citizen or New Jersey HIB laws?







Scenario 2: The Excluded Group Chat

Your friends create a new group chat for a project, but they intentionally leave out one classmate who needs to be part of the group. You see them talking about it in person.

  1. What is happening in this scenario, and how might the excluded classmate feel?






  2. What are two possible actions you could take if you were in the group chat, and what is the best choice? Why?






  3. How does this scenario relate to being a responsible digital citizen or New Jersey HIB laws?







Scenario 3: The Rumor Post

You see a post on social media spreading a false and mean rumor about another student. It's getting a lot of likes and comments.

  1. What is happening in this scenario, and how might the student who is the subject of the rumor feel?






  2. What are two possible actions someone who sees this post could take, and what is the best choice? Why?






  3. How does this scenario relate to being a responsible digital citizen or New Jersey HIB laws?







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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: My Digital Pledge

Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________

My Pledge to Be a Great Digital Citizen

  1. Positive Impact: I will use my words online to:





  2. Taking Action: If I see or experience cyberbullying, I will:





  3. Seeking Help: If I need help with an online problem, I will tell:





I pledge to be a responsible, respectful, and safe digital citizen.

Signature: _________________________


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Script

Digital Citizens: Words Matter Script

Warm-Up: Online World Brainstorm (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick us off today, I want you to think about what it means to be a 'good citizen' in our town or at our school. When you hear 'good citizen,' what comes to mind? What kind of actions do good citizens take?"

(Allow a few student responses. Write down key ideas on the board, like 'follows rules,' 'helps others,' 'respectful.')

Teacher: "Those are all excellent ideas! We talk a lot about being good citizens in person, but in today's world, we also spend a lot of time... online! So, my next question is: what about being a good citizen online? What do you think that means? Has anyone heard a term for that before?"

(Project Slide 1: Digital Citizens: Words Matter and facilitate a quick class brainstorm, listing student ideas on the board or chart paper. Introduce the term 'Digital Citizen'.)

Teacher: "Exactly! When we talk about being a 'Digital Citizen,' we're talking about how we act when we're using computers, phones, gaming systems, and the internet. It's about being responsible, respectful, and safe in our online world. That's what we'll be exploring today: how our words online really matter."

Introduction to Digital Citizenship (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 2: What is a Digital Citizen?)

Teacher: "So, as we just discussed, a 'Digital Citizen' is someone who uses technology responsibly, respectfully, and safely. It's about making good choices whenever you're online. Just like in our school, there are ways to be kind and helpful, and ways that are not."

(Transition to Slide 3: Your Online Identity)

Teacher: "When you're online, everything you say, every picture you post, every comment you make – it all creates something called your 'digital footprint.' Think of it like footsteps you leave behind. And here's the important part: this footprint lasts a long, long time. It shows others who you are, just like your actions in real life do. Do you think your online identity is different from your real-life identity? How so?"

(Allow a few student responses. Emphasize that positive behavior should be consistent both online and offline.)

(Transition to Slide 4: Real World, Online World)

Teacher: "Sometimes, the internet can feel like a totally separate place, right? Like it's not 'real.' But it's super important to remember that our online world is always connected to our real lives. Your words and actions online can affect people in the real world – their feelings, their reputation, even their safety. So, what's a good rule to remember before you post or send anything?"

(Guide students to the idea of 'Think before you post/send!' or 'If you wouldn't say it to their face, don't type it.')

The Power of Words & Cyberbullying (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 5: The Power of Your Words)

Teacher: "Let's talk more about that power. Your words have incredible power online! They can be used for so much good. Can anyone give me an example of how you've seen positive and helpful words used online?"

(Examples might include: sharing knowledge, encouraging friends, spreading kindness, supporting a good cause.)

(Transition to Slide 6: Words Can Hurt)

Teacher: "But unfortunately, that same power can also be used to harm. Just like in real life, words online can hurt. What are some ways words online might make someone feel sad, angry, or alone?"

(Examples might include: spreading rumors, making fun of others, saying mean things. Discuss the emotional impact.)

(Transition to Slide 7: What is Cyberbullying & HIB Online?)

Teacher: "When someone uses technology – like phones, computers, or even gaming systems – to repeatedly or seriously hurt, harass, or embarrass another person, that's called cyberbullying. This is a serious issue, and in New Jersey, we have laws specifically to address it. These are called Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, or HIB laws.

"HIB isn't just about what happens in the school hallways; it includes online actions too, if they disrupt our school or harm other students. It's about any intentional act that's mean or targets someone because of who they are, and it makes them feel unsafe or stops them from learning. So, cyberbullying can be HIB. Let's look at some examples."

(Transition to Slide 8: Digital Dilemmas: Your Turn!)

Teacher: "Before we look at more examples, let's put your digital citizenship skills to the test! I'm going to hand out some 'Digital Dilemma Scenarios.' In your small groups, you'll read each scenario, discuss what's happening, and figure out the best way to respond as responsible digital citizens. Think about how these situations relate to what we've learned about cyberbullying and HIB laws. Remember, this is your turn to think critically and apply your knowledge."

(Distribute the Digital Dilemma Scenarios: Group Reflection. Divide students into small groups to discuss the scenarios and answer the questions. Circulate to guide discussions and then bring the class back together for a brief share-out on their choices and reasoning.)

(Transition to Slide 9: Cyberbullying & HIB: Real-Life Examples)

Teacher: "Great discussions, everyone! Let's now look at some common real-life examples of cyberbullying that could also be considered HIB: Sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors online, posting embarrassing photos without permission, or purposefully leaving someone out of an online group to make them feel bad. Why do you think these examples fit the definition we just discussed?"

(Briefly discuss each example with student input.)

NJ HIB Laws & What to Do (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 10: Why Do NJ HIB Laws Matter?)

Teacher: "So, why do we have these New Jersey HIB laws? They are here to make sure every student in our school feels safe, respected, and can focus on learning. They're designed to stop harm, encourage positive interactions, and make our school a welcoming place for everyone. And remember, these laws apply whether something happens in school, on the bus, at a school event, or even online."

(Transition to Slide 11: How Does HIB Affect Our Community?)

Teacher: "When HIB happens, online or offline, it doesn't just affect the person being targeted. It can make others feel scared, sad, or alone. It disrupts learning and makes our whole school a less friendly place. Reporting HIB isn't 'telling on someone,' it's about being brave and responsible to make our school and online spaces safer for everyone."

(Transition to Slide 13: What Can You Do?)

Teacher: "So, what if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying or HIB? It's really important to know what steps you can take. First, don't respond or retaliate. It can make things worse. Second, save the evidence. Take screenshots if you can. Third, block the person if they are bothering you. And most importantly, tell a trusted adult. That could be a parent, a teacher, a counselor, or another adult you trust. Remember, you are not alone, and there are adults here to help you."

(If time permits, role-play quick scenarios: "What would you do if...?" for one or two situations.)

Cool-Down: Digital Pledge (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up today, I want everyone to take a moment to think about what we've discussed. We've learned about being a good digital citizen, the power of our words, and how to stay safe and respectful online."

(Transition to Slide 12: My Digital Pledge)

Teacher: "I'm going to hand out an Exit Ticket called 'My Digital Pledge.' This is your chance to make a personal commitment to being a great digital citizen. On this pledge, I want you to write down in your own words how you will use your words online for good, what you'll do if you see or experience cyberbullying, and who you will tell if you need help. Once you've completed your pledge, you can turn it in as you leave."

(Distribute the Exit Ticket: Digital Pledge.)

(Collect the exit tickets as students leave. Review them to gauge understanding and identify any areas needing further discussion.)

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