Lesson Plan
Digital Defenders
Students will be able to identify potential online risks, apply strategies for resolving or de-escalating social media conflicts, and recognize methods to prevent and respond to cyberbullying.
In today's digital age, knowing how to stay safe online and interact respectfully is critical. This lesson equips students with essential skills to navigate social media, avoid conflict, and combat cyberbullying, fostering a safer and more positive online experience.
Audience
5th-8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the lesson plan to familiarize yourself with the content and discussion points.
- Print copies of the Online Safety Reading (one per student).
- Print copies of the Digital Dilemmas Worksheet (one per student).
Step 1
Warm-Up: Online World Check-in
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What are some of your favorite things to do online?" Allow a few students to share.
2. Transition by saying, "The internet offers amazing opportunities, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. Today, we're going to become 'Digital Defenders' and learn how to navigate the online world safely and kindly."
Step 2
Introduction to Digital Citizenship
5 minutes
- Introduce what it means to be a 'digital citizen' and the importance of online safety.
2. Introduce the three main topics: Internet Safety, Avoiding Conflict, and Cyberbullying. You can use a whiteboard or simply state them verbally.
Step 3
Reading & Discussion: Online Safety Fundamentals
10 minutes
- Distribute the Online Safety Reading. Give students 3-4 minutes to read it individually.
2. After reading, lead a brief class discussion on key takeaways from the reading about internet safety and identifying risks. You can use prompts like: "What are some common online risks we read about?" and "What should you do if something online makes you uncomfortable?"
3. Focus on common online dangers and initial strategies for safe browsing and interaction.
Step 4
Activity: Digital Dilemmas
8 minutes
- Distribute the Digital Dilemmas Worksheet.
2. Explain that students will work individually or in small groups (teacher's discretion) to respond to a few short scenarios related to online conflict and cyberbullying.
3. After 5 minutes, bring the class back together and discuss one or two scenarios, inviting students to share their proposed solutions and the reasoning behind them.
4. Emphasize the importance of thinking before posting and seeking help when needed.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: Being a Digital Defender
2 minutes
- Conclude by reiterating the main points: be mindful of what you share online, think before you post, treat others with respect, and report cyberbullying.
2. Encourage students to be proactive 'Digital Defenders' in their online communities.
3. Briefly ask students to share one thing they learned or one way they can be a better digital citizen.
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Reading
Your Guide to Being Safe & Smart on Social Media
The internet is a fantastic tool for connecting with friends, sharing your interests, and learning new things! Social media platforms are a big part of that. But just like in any community, it's important to understand how to act responsibly and keep yourself safe. Let's explore how to be a savvy social media user!
Thinking Before You Post: The Digital Footprint
Every photo, comment, or video you share online leaves a "digital footprint." This footprint can be seen by many people and can last a long time. So, it's super important to pause and think before you post.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it kind? Will this make someone feel good, or could it hurt someone's feelings?
- Is it true? Am I sharing accurate information?
- Is it necessary? Does everyone really need to see this?
- Is it private? Am I sharing something I wouldn't want my family, teachers, or future employers to see?
Remember: Once something is online, it's very hard to take it back. Think of the internet as a giant public bulletin board!
Managing Your Privacy Settings
Most social media apps have privacy settings that allow you to control who sees your posts and personal information. This is like locking the door to your room – you decide who gets in.
- Review your settings: Regularly check your privacy settings to make sure they are set the way you want them. Often, you can choose between "Public" (anyone can see), "Friends Only," or even more specific options.
- Limit personal information: Even with strong privacy settings, be careful about sharing things like your home address, phone number, specific school details, or plans that show exactly where you are.
Handling Online Conflicts & Disagreements
It's easy for misunderstandings to happen online because you can't see facial expressions or hear tone of voice. If you find yourself in an online disagreement:
- Pause and cool down: Don't respond immediately when you're angry or upset. Take a break.
- Don't escalate: Avoid making things worse by posting angry replies. It often makes the situation bigger.
- Talk in person (if safe): If it's a friend, try talking to them directly and calmly.
- Block or Mute: If someone is being disrespectful or aggressive, you can block them or mute their comments.
What to Do If Something Feels Wrong or You See Cyberbullying
If anything online makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, or unsafe, or if you see someone else being targeted, it's crucial to act.
- Don't suffer in silence: Tell a trusted adult immediately (parent, guardian, teacher, school counselor).
- Don't respond to cyberbullying: Engaging with a cyberbully often makes it worse.
- Save evidence: Take screenshots of mean messages, comments, or posts. This can be important proof.
- Report it: Use the reporting tools on the social media platform. Many platforms have ways to report inappropriate content or bullying.
Being a smart social media user means being mindful of your actions, protecting your privacy, and knowing when and how to get help. You have the power to make the online world a better place for everyone!
Worksheet
Digital Dilemmas: What Would You Do?
Read each scenario below and think about the best way to respond. Write down your thoughts and explain why you chose that action.
Scenario 1: The Misunderstood Message
Your friend, Alex, posts a comment in a group chat that seems to make fun of your favorite hobby. You feel hurt and a little angry. You want to respond immediately and tell Alex off.
What would you do?
Why would you choose this action?
Scenario 2: The Embarrassing Photo
Someone in your class posts an old, embarrassing photo of another classmate, Sam, on social media. Other students start liking the photo and leaving mean comments. Sam looks really upset at school the next day.
What would you do?
Why would you choose this action?
Scenario 3: The Online Game Argument
You are playing an online game with a new person you met in the game. During the game, they start sending you really aggressive and insulting messages because your team is losing. They start calling you names and telling you to quit.
What would you do?
Why would you choose this action?
Scenario 4: The Pressure to Share
Your friend group is creating a private social media account where everyone is sharing personal photos and videos from a recent gathering. Some of the photos are silly and you feel a little uncomfortable sharing yours, but everyone else is doing it and they keep tagging you in comments asking you to post.
What would you do?
Why would you choose this action?
Scenario 5: The Rumor Mill
You see a post from someone you don't know well, spreading a rumor about two of your classmates. The rumor isn't true, and you know it could really hurt their feelings if they saw it. Other people are starting to comment and believe it.
What would you do?
Why would you choose this action?