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 digital world, every post can have lasting consequences. This lesson helps students develop critical thinking and empathy skills to make responsible and positive online choices, protecting their digital reputation and fostering healthier online communities.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided analysis, and case study application.
Introduction & Hook: What's Your Digital Footprint?
5 minutes
Begin by displaying the title slide: "Digital Drama Detox: Pause Before You Post." - Ask students: "How many of you use social media daily?" (Brief show of hands). - Introduce the concept of a 'digital footprint' and its permanence. Use Think Before You Post Slides (Slide 1-2). - Transition to the idea that every post contributes to this footprint, and sometimes, things can get dramatic online.
Step 2
Teach the 4-Question Pause
10 minutes
Introduce the '4-Question Pause' as a tool to use before posting or responding online. Display on Think Before You Post Slides (Slide 3). - Explain each question: 1. Public? (Who will see this? Will I be okay with anyone seeing this?) 2. Permanent? (Could this come back to haunt me years from now?) 3. True? (Is this factually correct? Am I sure?) 4. Kind? (Is this respectful and considerate, even if it's a joke?) - Distribute the 4-Question Pause Sheet. - Present two sample social posts (from Think Before You Post Slides, Slides 4-5) and have students, in pairs, apply the 4-Question Pause using their sheets. Discuss their findings as a class.
Step 3
Online Conflict Case Study
10 minutes
Introduce the idea of online conflict and how easy it is to escalate. - Divide students into small groups (2-3 students). - Distribute one Case Study Cards: Online Conflict to each group. - Instruct groups to read their case, discuss potential de-escalation responses, and choose the best one, explaining their reasoning. - Circulate to facilitate discussion and offer guidance. - Bring the class back together and have a few groups share their case and chosen response.
Step 4
Cool Down & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
Distribute the Exit Ticket: Response I’d Use. - Have students complete the exit ticket, reflecting on a de-escalation response they would use in a future online conflict. - Collect exit tickets as students leave. - Conclude by reiterating the power of pausing and making thoughtful online choices.
Slide Deck
Digital Drama Detox: Pause Before You Post
Navigating the online world with purpose and peace.
Welcome students and introduce the lesson's main idea: thinking before acting online. Ask a quick warm-up question about daily social media use.
Your Digital Footprint
Every like, share, comment, and post leaves a trace.
It's like an online tattoo: hard to remove, easy to see.
What seems temporary can be permanent. Screenshots are forever!
Explain what a digital footprint is and emphasize that online content can be permanent and easily shared, even if deleted.
The 4-Question Pause
Before you post, comment, or share, ask yourself:
Public? (Who will see this?)
Permanent? (Could this affect my future?)
True? (Is this factually correct?)
Kind? (Is this respectful and considerate?)
Introduce the '4-Question Pause' framework. Explain that these questions are a quick mental checklist before engaging online. Distribute the '4-Question Pause Sheet' now.
Sample Post 1: 'Friday Night Drama'
Post: "OMG, I can't believe [Friend's Name] is dating [Other Friend's Name]! This is going to be so much drama. 😱 #shocked #betrayal"
Apply the 4-Question Pause. Should this be posted? Why or why not?
Present the first sample social post. Give students 2-3 minutes with a partner to discuss applying the 4-Question Pause using their sheets.
Sample Post 2: 'Group Project Vent'
Post: "Seriously hate my group members for this history project. They're doing nothing and I'm stuck doing all the work. So unfair. Wish I had a better team. #groupproblems #stressed"
Apply the 4-Question Pause. What are the potential consequences?
Present the second sample social post. Again, give students 2-3 minutes with a partner to apply the 4-Question Pause. Discuss findings from both examples as a class.
De-Escalating Online Conflicts
Online misunderstandings can quickly become big problems.
A thoughtful response can prevent digital drama from spreading.
Today, we'll practice choosing de-escalation responses.
Transition to online conflict resolution. Explain that the same 'pause' principles can help de-escalate. Introduce the case study activity.
Case Study Time!
In your groups, read your assigned case study.
Discuss possible ways to respond or de-escalate the situation.
Choose the best response and be ready to explain why.
This slide serves as an instruction point for the case study activity. Reiterate the task: discuss, choose a response, and be ready to share.
Your Digital Power
You have the power to shape your online experience and contribute positively to digital communities. Use your pause. Choose kindness. Be mindful.
This is the final slide for the cool-down/exit ticket. Instruct students to complete the exit ticket before leaving.
