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Learning how to be helpful and polite when communicating online.
Imagine if every word you typed online was like a sticker that stayed on your shirt forever. Would you want your stickers to be kind and sparkly, or mean and messy?
When we talk to friends online, we use our keyboards instead of our voices. It is important to remember the Toothpaste Rule: once you squeeze toothpaste out of the tube, you can't put it back in! Digital messages are the same. Once you press 'send,' your words are out there forever. Using kind words makes the digital world a happy place. If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't type it in a message. Even if we are frustrated, we use polite language to show we are Digital Citizens who care about others.
Imagine your friend is sad because they lost a level in a learning game. 1. Open the chat box. 2. Type: 'You did a great job! Want to try again together?' 3. Add a happy emoji. 4. Press send. You just used kind message to make friend feel better!
Quick Check
Why is it hard to 'take back' a message after you send it?
Answer
Because digital messages stay online forever, just like toothpaste that can't go back in the tube.
Sometimes, people might be unkind online. This is called 'mean behavior' or 'cyberbullying.' It might look like someone calling names, leaving people out of a group, or saying scary things. If you see this, remember the three steps: Stop, Block, and Tell. 1. Stop: Don't reply to the mean message. 2. Block: Use the settings to stop them from talking to you. 3. Tell: Immediately find a trusted adult, like a teacher or a parent, and show them what happened. Reporting isn't 'tattling'; it is being a hero who keeps the internet safe!
You are playing a math game. Someone types, 'You are slow at math!' 1. Do not type a mean word back. 2. Close the chat window. 3. Walk to your teacher and say, 'Someone is being mean in the game chat. Can you help me?'
Quick Check
What are the three steps to take if someone is mean to you online?
Answer
Stop, Block, and Tell a trusted adult.
Being a good digital citizen also means being a helper. If you see a friend who doesn't know how to click a button or find a website, you can guide them! Helping others makes the digital community stronger. Think of it like a math equation: helper + friend = happy learners. You can also stand up for others. If you see someone being teased, you can type something kind to support them. Small acts of digital kindness can have a big impact on everyone's day.
Your whole class is looking for a video link. Your friend Sarah says, 'I can't find it!' 1. Find the link on your screen. 2. Carefully copy the link. 3. Paste it into the class chat. 4. Type: 'Here it is, Sarah! I hope this helps!'
What should you do before sending a message online?
If someone sends you a mean message, who is the best person to talk to?
Helping a friend find a link online is a way to be a good digital citizen.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the 'Toothpaste Rule' and explain it to a family member.
Practice Activity
Practice typing one kind 'thank you' message to your teacher or a friend today.