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Learning how to be a kind, respectful, and responsible member of the online community.
Imagine you are at a giant playground where you can talk to anyone in the world, but you are wearing an invisible cloak. Would you still be as kind as you are in person, or would the 'invisibility' change how you act?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology—like the internet, cell phones, or social media—to be mean to others on purpose and repeatedly. It isn't just a one-time joke that went wrong; it is a pattern of behavior intended to hurt someone's feelings. Because it happens online, it can feel like it follows a person home, making them feel sad, lonely, or even scared in their own house. Remember the formula for digital kindness: .
1. Sarah posts a picture of her new cat. 2. A classmate comments, 'That cat is ugly.' 3. The next day, the same classmate posts the picture again with a mean caption. 4. This is cyberbullying because it is repeated and meant to hurt Sarah.
Quick Check
What is the main difference between a one-time accident and cyberbullying?
Answer
Cyberbullying is repeated behavior intended to hurt someone on purpose.
The word Netiquette comes from combining Network + Etiquette. It is basically a set of 'rules of the road' for the internet. Since we can't see people's faces or hear their voices online, it is easy to misunderstand what they mean. Good netiquette means: - T.H.I.N.K. before you post: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? - Avoid using ALL CAPS, which feels like . - Respect other people's privacy and don't share their secrets.
You are in a group chat and everyone is making fun of a teacher. 1. Pause and think: Is this kind or necessary? 2. Instead of joining in, you can change the subject or say, 'Hey guys, let's talk about the game instead.' 3. This follows netiquette by not contributing to a negative environment.
Quick Check
What does the 'T' in the T.H.I.N.K. acronym stand for?
Answer
True.
When you see something mean happening online, you have a choice. You can be a bystander (someone who just watches) or an upstander (someone who helps). To be a digital hero, follow the Stop, Block, Tell method: 1. Stop: Do not respond to the mean person. 2. Block: Use the app settings to prevent them from contacting you. 3. Tell: Talk to a trusted adult immediately.
Being an upstander means you support the person being bullied so they don't feel alone.
You see a 'hate page' created about a student in your grade. 1. Do not 'like' or share the page (this stops the spread). 2. Take a screenshot as evidence. 3. Tell a teacher or parent right away. 4. Send a private, kind message to the student being targeted to let them know you are their friend.
Which of these is an example of good netiquette?
What should you do FIRST if someone is being mean to you in an online game?
An 'Upstander' is someone who stands up for others and tells a trusted adult when they see bullying.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the three steps of the 'Stop, Block, Tell' method and what each letter in T.H.I.N.K. stands for.
Practice Activity
Today, try to leave one 'Digital Compliment'—a kind, helpful, or inspiring comment—on a friend's post or in a school forum.