Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing - Teacher Script

Warm-Up: Social Media Snapshot (5 minutes)

"Good morning, Digital Detectives! Today, we're going on a special mission to explore the exciting and sometimes tricky world of being online. I want you to take a moment and think about how you use social media or interact with friends online. Maybe you play games together, chat, or share pictures."

"Now, close your eyes for a second, and think about two things: What are some good things about being online? What are some challenging things? No need to share out loud yet, just think."

"Okay, open your eyes. Who would like to share one good thing about being online?"

"Great! And how about one challenging thing?"

"Thank you for sharing. It's true, the internet offers amazing connections, but it also comes with responsibilities and challenges. That's why we're becoming Digital Detectives today!"

Introduction to Digital Detectives (10 minutes)

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 1)

"Welcome, Digital Detectives! Our mission today is to uncover the secrets of safe social media and how to protect ourselves and others from something called online bullying. By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make smart choices online and be a cyber-superhero!"

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 2)

"First, let's talk about something called your Digital Footprint. Think about when you walk on sand or in fresh snow. You leave footprints, right? Your digital footprint is similar, but it's all the traces you leave behind when you use the internet. Every photo you post, every comment you make, every website you visit – it all creates a record."

"Why do you think it's important to be aware of our digital footprint?"

"Exactly! Because once something is online, it's very hard to remove. It's like a permanent record of who you are and what you do online. So, as Digital Detectives, we need to be mindful of the footprints we're leaving."

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"Now, let's talk about a big challenge online: Online Bullying, or cyberbullying. This happens when someone uses technology – like phones, computers, or tablets – to repeatedly hurt, harass, or embarrass another person."

"It can look like mean messages or comments, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without permission, or even intentionally excluding someone from an online group or game. The key is that it's repeated and intentional harm."

"Why do you think online bullying can be so hurtful, even if it's not happening face-to-face?"

"You're right. It can feel like there's no escape, and it can be seen by many people. As Digital Detectives, it's our job to understand this and help stop it."

Online Safety Discussion (15 minutes)

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"But here's the good news, Digital Detectives: you have the power to prevent and stop online bullying and keep yourselves safe! Let's look at some prevention strategies."

• "Think Before You Post: Before you hit 'send' or 'post,' ask yourself: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? If the answer to any of these is no, don't post it."
• "Keep Passwords Private: Your password is like the key to your digital home. Never share it with anyone, not even your best friend."
• "Privacy Settings: Learn how to use privacy settings on apps and games. You can control who sees your information."
• "Be an Upstander: This is super important! If you see online bullying happening, don't just watch. Speak up, report it, or tell a trusted adult. An upstander is someone who takes action to help, not just a bystander who watches."

(Transition to the Online Safety Discussion Guide)

"Now, let's put on our extra-sharp detective hats for a class discussion using our Online Safety Discussion Guide. Remember, we want to create a safe and respectful space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, just smart choices and critical thinking."

"Scenario 1: You see a group chat where some kids are making fun of another student's new haircut. What do you do as a Digital Detective?"

"Scenario 2: Someone you don't know well sends you a friend request and asks for your phone number. How do you respond?"

"Scenario 3: A friend shows you an embarrassing picture of another classmate that they found online and suggests you share it. What do you say or do?"

"Excellent thinking, everyone! It's clear you're understanding the complexities of these situations."

Digital Citizen Activity (10 minutes)

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"What if online bullying does happen? It's really important to know what to do. Let's look at how to respond."

• "DON'T Respond: It's super hard, but don't fight back or send mean messages. It often just makes the situation worse."
• "SAVE Evidence: This is crucial! Take screenshots of messages, comments, or pictures. This is your proof."
• "BLOCK: Most social media and gaming platforms allow you to block people. This cuts off contact."
• "TELL a Trusted Adult: This is the most important step. Tell a parent, a teacher, a counselor, or another trusted adult. They can help you figure out what to do next."

"Now, Digital Detectives, it's time for some hands-on investigation! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a scenario from our Digital Citizen Activity worksheet. Your task is to discuss how you would act as a responsible 'Digital Detective' in that situation. Think about the prevention and response strategies we just discussed."

"You'll have about 5 minutes to discuss in your groups, and then we'll quickly share some of your best detective strategies with the class. Go ahead and get into your groups now."

(Allow 5 minutes for group discussion.)

"Alright, let's hear from each group! Group 1, what was your scenario and how would your Digital Detectives handle it?"

"Fantastic ideas! Group 2?"

"Wonderful! It sounds like you're all becoming very sharp Digital Detectives!"

Cool Down: One Smart Tip (5 minutes)

(Display Digital Detectives: Safe Socializing Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Great work today, Digital Detectives! You've learned so much about navigating the online world safely and kindly. Remember, you have the skills to protect yourselves and others, and to make the internet a better place."

"For our final task, I want each of you to take a piece of paper and write down one smart tip you learned today about social media safety or preventing online bullying. This is your 'exit ticket' for today's mission."

"Think about what resonated most with you. What's the one thing you'll remember to do, or to tell a friend?"

(Collect the tips as students finish.)

"Excellent job, everyone! Keep practicing these skills, and remember, you are all powerful Digital Detectives. Go forth and be awesome online!"

Online Safety Discussion Guide: Digital Detectives

Instructions for Teacher: Facilitate a respectful and open discussion using the scenarios below. Encourage students to think critically and share their reasoning. Remind them there are often multiple positive ways to respond.

Scenario 1: The Mean Group Chat

Prompt:

You are in a group chat with some classmates, and a few students start making fun of another student, Alex, because of their new haircut. They are posting laughing emojis and mean comments about Alex's appearance.

Discussion Questions:

1. As a Digital Detective, what are your immediate thoughts and feelings when you see these comments?
   
   
   
2. What are some different ways you could respond in this situation? Think about both direct and indirect actions.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why is it important not to join in with the bullying, even if others are doing it?
   
   
   
4. Who is a trusted adult you could talk to about this situation?
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The Mysterious Friend Request

Prompt:

You receive a friend request on a social media app from someone you don't recognize. Their profile picture looks like a cartoon character, and they immediately send you a message asking for your phone number and where you live.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the red flags in this situation that a Digital Detective would notice?
   
   
   
2. How should you respond to this message and friend request? What actions should you avoid?
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why is it important to keep personal information (like your phone number or address) private online?
   
   
   
4. Who should you tell about this mysterious request?
   
   
   

Scenario 3: The Embarrassing Photo

Prompt:

Your friend, Maya, shows you an embarrassing photo of another classmate, Sam, that someone posted online without Sam's permission. Maya thinks it's funny and suggests you both share it with other friends.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the potential consequences if you and Maya share this embarrassing photo?
   
   
   
2. How can you be an "Upstander" in this situation? What can you say or do to Maya, and what steps should you take to help Sam and stop the spread of the photo?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why is it wrong to share someone's photo without their permission, even if you think it's harmless?
   
   
   
4. What message does sharing mean or embarrassing content send to others online?

Digital Citizen Activity: Be a Digital Detective!

Instructions for Students: Work with your group to discuss the scenario assigned to you. As "Digital Detectives," your task is to figure out the best and safest way to respond. Be ready to share your strategies with the class!

Group Scenario 1: The Online Game Attack

Scenario:

You are playing your favorite online multiplayer game. Another player, who you don't know in real life, starts sending you very aggressive and mean messages in the chat, calling you names and telling you to quit the game. This has happened a few times now.

Your Detective Mission:

1. What is happening here? Is this online bullying? Why or why not?
   
   
   
2. What are 3 specific steps you would take right now to handle this situation?
   
   
   
   
   
3. Who would you tell about this, and what information would you share with them?
   
   
   

Group Scenario 2: The Embarrassing Post

Scenario:

Your friend Sarah posted a picture of you on her social media story from a school event where you looked a little silly. You didn't give her permission to post it, and now other people are commenting with laughing emojis. You feel embarrassed and a little upset.

Your Detective Mission:

1. What is the problem in this scenario? How does it make you feel?
   
   
   
2. What is the first thing you should do to address this with Sarah?
   
   
   
   
   
3. What steps could you take if Sarah refuses to take the picture down?
   
   
   

Group Scenario 3: The Secret Information Request

Scenario:

You receive a private message from someone online who claims to be a talent scout looking for young actors. They ask you to send them your home address, your school name, and a video of yourself performing a scene. They say it's a