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Slide Deck
Social Media Savvy: Navigating Online Worlds Responsibly
How do you use social media? What does 'savvy' mean to you?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to share initial thoughts on social media. This is a quick engaging start.
Your Digital Footprint
What you post today can be seen tomorrow... or years from now!
- Every Like, Share, and Comment
- Every Photo and Video
- Every Online Search
Explain what a digital footprint is in simple terms. Emphasize that everything online leaves a trace.
Footprints Last Forever?
Think about it:
- Colleges and employers often check social media.
- What kind of impression do you want to make?
- Your online self is part of your real self!
Discuss the permanence and impact of a digital footprint. Ask students to think about how it can affect their future.
Beware of Online Pitfalls!
The internet can be tricky. Let's learn about:
- Cyberbullying: Being mean or threatening online.
- Privacy Concerns: Sharing too much personal info.
- Misinformation: Believing and sharing fake news.
- Online Strangers: Connecting with people you don't know.
Introduce various online risks. Provide clear examples for each without being overly alarming.
Spotting the Risks & Making Smart Choices
Let's practice identifying online risks and thinking through responsible actions.
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will analyze scenarios to identify risks and responsible actions.
Be a Positive Digital Citizen!
How can you be awesome online?
- Think Before You Post: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
- Protect Your Privacy: Use privacy settings!
- Be Respectful: Treat others how you want to be treated.
- Report & Block: Don't be afraid to ask for help!
Summarize key strategies for positive online behavior. Encourage students to be mindful and kind.
Your Online World, Your Rules!
You have the power to shape your online experience. Make it a positive one!
Reinforce the main takeaway: responsible social media use leads to a safer and more positive experience.
Worksheet
Online Choices Worksheet: Spotting the Risks & Making Smart Moves!
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. In the space provided, identify the potential online risk(s) and then explain what the person in the scenario should do to be a responsible digital citizen.
Scenario 1: The "Awesome Party" Post
Maya is at a friend's party and everyone is taking pictures and posting them to social media. Maya's friend, Alex, posts a picture of Maya without asking, and Maya feels uncomfortable because the picture is a bit embarrassing.
Potential Online Risk(s):
What should Maya/Alex do?
Scenario 2: The Mysterious Friend Request
Liam receives a friend request from someone he doesn't recognize. The profile picture looks cool, and they have a lot of mutual friends, but Liam has never actually met this person in real life.
Potential Online Risk(s):
What should Liam do?
Scenario 3: The Rumor Mill
Sarah sees a post circulating about a classmate that isn't true and is quite mean. Her friends are all sharing it and making jokes. Sarah feels bad for the classmate.
Potential Online Risk(s):
What should Sarah do?
Scenario 4: The "Too Good to Be True" Link
David gets a message from a friend with a link that promises free video game currency if he clicks it and logs in with his game account.
Potential Online Risk(s):
What should David do?
Activity
Digital Dilemmas Activity Cards
Instructions for Teachers: Print, cut out, and distribute these cards to small groups of students. Each group should discuss the scenario on their card and decide on the most responsible action. Encourage them to explain why they chose that action.
Card 1: The Public Post
You want to share a funny story about your family vacation. It involves your younger sibling doing something silly, and while it's harmless, it might be a little embarrassing for them in the future. You're about to post it on your public social media profile.
What should you do?
Card 2: The Online Argument
You see two of your friends having a heated argument in the comments section of a public post. It's getting personal, and other people are starting to chime in with negative comments.
What should you do?
Card 3: The Fake Profile
You discover a fake social media profile using your photos and name. It's posting things that you would never say or do.
What should you do?
Card 4: The Pressure to Share
Your friends are all sharing a viral challenge video that involves doing something slightly risky and posting it online. They are pressuring you to join in so you don't feel left out.
What should you do?
Card 5: The Misleading News
You see a news article shared by many people on your feed. It has a shocking headline, but when you read a bit of it, some facts seem a little off. You're not sure if it's true or not.
What should you do?
Discussion
Responsible Digital Citizen Discussion Guide
Instructions for Teachers: Use these prompts to facilitate a class or small group discussion about digital citizenship and responsible online behavior. Encourage students to share their thoughts respectfully and provide examples where appropriate.
Section 1: Your Digital Footprint
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What does the term "digital footprint" mean to you? How is it similar to or different from a real footprint?
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Can you think of something you or someone you know posted online that you now wish hadn't been shared? Why?
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How might a digital footprint impact your future opportunities, like applying for high school, college, or a job?
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What are some things you can post online that would create a positive digital footprint? What about a negative one?
Section 2: Online Risks and Safety
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What are some of the biggest dangers or risks you've encountered or heard about on social media?
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How can you tell if something you see online (a news story, a claim) is true or false?
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What should you do if you or a friend is being cyberbullied?
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When is it okay to share personal information (like your address, phone number, or school) online? When is it definitely NOT okay?
Section 3: Responsible Communication and Presence
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What does it mean to be a "good digital citizen"?
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Before you post something, what are some questions you should ask yourself?
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How can you use social media to connect with others, learn new things, or make a positive impact?
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If you see someone else making an irresponsible choice online, how can you respond or help?
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What privacy settings do you use, or plan to use, to protect your information online?
Lesson Plan
Social Media Savvy
Students will be able to identify online risks, understand the impact of their digital footprint, practice responsible online communication, and develop strategies for maintaining a positive online presence.
Understanding responsible social media use is crucial for students' safety, well-being, and future opportunities in an increasingly digital world. This lesson helps them navigate these complex platforms with confidence and awareness.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions and scenario analysis.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard, Social Media Savvy Slide Deck, Online Choices Worksheet, Digital Dilemmas Activity Cards, and Responsible Digital Citizen Discussion Guide
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print copies of the Online Choices Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare and cut out the Digital Dilemmas Activity Cards.
- Review the Responsible Digital Citizen Discussion Guide prompts.
- Ensure all necessary technology (projector, computer) is working.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Social Media Snapshot
5 minutes
- Ask students: 'What comes to mind when you hear 'social media'?' Allow for a quick whip-around or jot-down answers.
- Transition by explaining that today we'll explore how to be 'savvy' online.
Step 2
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
10 minutes
- Discuss what a digital footprint is and its permanence.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Responsible Digital Citizen Discussion Guide related to digital footprint (e.g., 'What are some things you post that might leave a positive footprint? A negative one?').
Step 3
Identifying Online Risks
10 minutes
- Distribute the Online Choices Worksheet.
- Have students work individually or in pairs to complete the 'Identify the Risk' section of the worksheet.
Step 4
Digital Dilemmas: Scenario Analysis
15 minutes
- Provide each group with a few Digital Dilemmas Activity Cards.
- Instruct groups to discuss the scenarios on their cards and decide on the most responsible action.
- Bring the class back together for a brief sharing session where groups present one scenario and their solution.
Step 5
Crafting a Positive Online Presence
5 minutes
- Conclude with a quick reflection: 'What is one thing you will do differently online after today's lesson?'