Lesson Plan
Digital Drama Detox
Students will apply a 4-question pause (public? permanent? true? kind?) to two social posts and choose a de-escalation response for one online conflict case.
In today's interconnected world, thoughtful online interactions are crucial. This lesson equips students with practical tools to prevent and de-escalate digital drama, fostering a more empathetic and responsible online community.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, partner work, and case study analysis.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard, Think Before You Post Slides, 4-Question Pause Sheet, Case Study Cards: Online Conflict, and Exit Ticket: Response I’d Use
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Think Before You Post Slides and practice the accompanying script.
- Print copies of the 4-Question Pause Sheet (one per student).
- Print and cut out the Case Study Cards: Online Conflict (one set per small group).
- Print copies of the Exit Ticket: Response I’d Use (one per student).
- Ensure projector/smartboard is ready for presentation.
- Familiarize yourself with the 4-question pause: Public? Permanent? True? Kind?
Step 1
Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Engage: Begin by asking students: "How many of you have seen or been involved in 'digital drama' online? What does that even mean?" Allow for a brief class discussion.
* Introduce: "Today, we're going to learn how to detox from digital drama using a powerful tool called the '4-Question Pause'. This isn't about avoiding online interaction, but about making sure our interactions are positive and productive."
* Objective: Briefly state the lesson objective, referring to the Think Before You Post Slides.
Step 2
Teach: The 4-Question Pause & Permanence (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Present: Use the Think Before You Post Slides to introduce the concepts of privacy, permanence, and the 4-Question Pause (Public? Permanent? True? Kind?). Go through each question with examples.
* Distribute: Hand out the 4-Question Pause Sheet.
* Guided Practice: As a class, analyze one or two hypothetical (or pre-prepared, anonymous) social media posts using the 4-Question Pause, filling in the worksheet together. Emphasize that 'Permanent' means even if you delete it, it could still exist somewhere.
Step 3
Partner Practice: Apply the Pause (7 minutes)
7 minutes
- Instructions: "Now, with a partner, you'll apply the 4-Question Pause to two more sample social media posts listed on your 4-Question Pause Sheet. Discuss each question and record your thoughts."
* Circulate: Monitor student discussions, providing support and clarification as needed. Encourage deep thinking about each question.
Step 4
De-escalate Online Conflict Case Study (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Transition: "Sometimes, despite our best efforts, digital drama still happens. What then?"
* Distribute: Give each small group one of the Case Study Cards: Online Conflict.
* Discuss: Instruct groups to read their scenario and discuss possible de-escalation responses. Encourage them to think beyond just
Slide Deck
Digital Drama Detox
Navigating Your Online World with Intention and Empathy!
Welcome students and introduce the topic of digital drama. Ask them to share (briefly and generally) if they've seen or experienced it. Explain that today's lesson will give them tools to navigate online interactions more effectively.
The Digital Dilemma
Ever notice how fast things can escalate online?
It's easy to misunderstand or be misunderstood without seeing facial expressions or hearing tone of voice.
Introduce the core challenge of online communication - the lack of non-verbal cues and the speed at which things escalate.
Before You Post: Is It Public?
Consider your audience:
- Who can see this? (Friends, friends of friends, strangers?)
- Would you say this in front of your family, your principal, or a future employer?
- Even if you set it to 'private,' can it still be shared?
Introduce the first concept: Privacy. Emphasize that 'private' online is rarely truly private.
Before You Post: Is It Permanent?
The internet has a long memory:
- Once it’s out there, it’s hard to take back.
- Screenshots last forever.
- Deleted doesn't always mean gone.
- Think about how this post might look years from now.
Explain permanence. Even deleted content can leave a digital footprint.
Before You Post: Is It True?
Verify before you amplify:
- Is this information accurate?
- Are you spreading rumors or assumptions?
- Do you have all the facts, or are you reacting to a snippet?
Introduce the 'True' aspect. This isn't just about facts, but also about intent and avoiding gossip.
Before You Post: Is It Kind?
Empathy in action:
- How would you feel if someone posted this about you?
- Could this hurt someone's feelings, even unintentionally?
- Is there a more constructive or empathetic way to express yourself?
Focus on kindness and empathy. How might the post impact others?
The 4-Question Pause: Your Digital Filter
Before you hit 'send' or 'post', ask yourself:
- Public?
- Permanent?
- True?
- Kind?
(P-P-T-K)
Summarize the 4-Question Pause. Tell students they will now practice applying it.
When Drama Finds YOU: De-escalation
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, conflict arises. What are your options?
- Pause & Reflect: Don't react immediately.
- Don't Engage: Sometimes, ignoring is the strongest response.
- Direct Message: Take it offline if it's a misunderstanding with a friend.
- Block/Mute: Protect your peace.
- Report: If it's harmful or violates platform rules.
- Seek Support: Talk to a trusted adult.
Introduce the idea of online conflict de-escalation. Emphasize that not every conflict needs a direct response.
Your Power Online
You have the power to shape your online environment.
By using the 4-Question Pause and thoughtful de-escalation, you contribute to a more positive and respectful digital world for everyone.
Now, for our Exit Ticket: Response I’d Use!
Conclude by reiterating the power of thoughtful online communication. Introduce the exit ticket.
Worksheet
4-Question Pause Sheet
Before you post or share anything online, take a moment to ask yourself these four questions. This sheet will help you practice.
The 4-Question Pause: P-P-T-K
Public? (Who can see this? Will I be okay with anyone seeing this?)
Permanent? (Could this come back to haunt me later? Can it really be deleted?)
True? (Is this accurate? Am I sure? Am I spreading rumors?)
Kind? (How would I feel if this were about me? Could it hurt someone?)
Practice Post 1: Applying the Pause (Guided Practice - Class Discussion)
Scenario: A friend posts a picture of you at a party where you look a bit messy, with the caption, "Wild night with this one! #noregrets"
Your Analysis:
- Public?
- Permanent?
- True?
- Kind?
Conclusion: Based on your answers, what should be done with this post, or how should it be handled?
Practice Post 2: Applying the Pause (Partner Work)
Scenario: You see a classmate's post complaining about a teacher, using strong, negative language and making fun of the teacher's appearance.
Your Analysis:
- Public?
- Permanent?
- True?
- Kind?
Conclusion: Based on your answers, what are the potential consequences of this post, and what action (if any) should be taken?
Practice Post 3: Applying the Pause (Partner Work)
Scenario: A post from an anonymous account in your school's online group is spreading a rumor about two students dating, which you know isn't true.
Your Analysis:
- Public?
- Permanent?
- True?
- Kind?
Conclusion: Based on your answers, what action (if any) should be taken regarding this post and the rumor?
Activity
Case Study Cards: Online Conflict
Instructions: Read your assigned case study with your group. Discuss the situation and brainstorm at least two different de-escalation strategies. Consider the potential impact of each strategy.
Case Study 1: The Misunderstood Meme
Scenario: Sarah posts a meme in a class group chat that she thinks is funny, but a few classmates quickly react, saying it's offensive and targeting a specific student. Sarah didn't mean it that way, but the comments are getting heated, and other students are starting to take sides.
Discussion Questions:
- What are Sarah's immediate options?
- What are the potential consequences if Sarah does nothing?
- How could Sarah de-escalate the situation?
- What would you advise Sarah to do, and why?
Case Study 2: The Public Shaming Post
Scenario: Liam sees a post on a public social media platform from a student in another class directly calling out his friend, Maya, for something that happened in school. The post uses harsh language and includes a slightly altered photo of Maya. Other people are commenting, some agreeing, some defending Maya.
Discussion Questions:
- What are Liam's options as a friend?
- What are the risks of directly confronting the poster online?
- How can Maya be supported in this situation?
- What de-escalation strategies could be used, and by whom?
Case Study 3: The Persistent Argument in Comments
Scenario: Two students, Alex and Ben, are having a very public and increasingly aggressive argument in the comment section of a neutral school announcement post. They started disagreeing about a school policy, but it has now devolved into personal attacks. Many other students are just watching, but some are adding fuel to the fire.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the potential harms of this ongoing public argument?
- Who has a role in de-escalating this, and what actions could they take?
- What are the different ways someone could intervene without making it worse?
- If you were a bystander, what would you do?
Case Study 4: The Anonymous Threat
Scenario: A disturbing anonymous message is posted in a large school-wide social media group, hinting at harm to a group of students. While vague, it causes immediate alarm and fear among students who see it.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the most important immediate action to take in this situation?
- Who should be informed, and why?
- What are the dangers of trying to handle this within the student group?
- What are the ethical responsibilities of students who see such a post?
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: Response I’d Use
Name: ________________________
Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson, especially the case studies and de-escalation strategies we discussed. Answer the question below.
My De-escalation Plan
Think about an online conflict you might encounter (either one we discussed or a new hypothetical one).
-
Briefly describe the online conflict scenario:
-
What one de-escalation strategy would you choose to use in this situation? (e.g., Pause & Reflect, Don't Engage, Direct Message, Block/Mute, Report, Seek Support)
-
Explain why you would choose this particular strategy for this scenario and what you hope to achieve by using it.