Being Kind Online: Digital Citizenship Rules
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What you will learn
- 1Define digital citizenship and sort behaviors into kind and unkind online categories
- 2Explain what cyberbullying is
- 3State what to do if unkind behavior happens to you or someone you know
Mini Lesson
Would you walk up to a friend and say something mean to their face? Probably not — because you know it is wrong and hurtful. The same rule applies online. Just because you cannot see someone’s face when you type a message does not mean your words cannot hurt them. Real people have real feelings — online or off.
What is digital citizenship?
- A citizen is someone who is part of a community and follows the rules that keep everyone safe and respected.
- A digital citizen is someone who uses technology and the internet responsibly, kindly, and safely.
- Being a good digital citizen means treating others online with the same kindness you want for yourself.
Kind online behaviors
- Using polite, respectful words in messages and comments.
- Giving positive feedback on someone’s work — "That’s a great drawing!"
- Asking before sharing a photo that includes someone else.
- Leaving a kind comment on a friend’s post.
- Including everyone — not leaving someone out of an online group on purpose.
- Telling a trusted adult if someone online is being unkind.
Unkind online behaviors
- Sending mean, hurtful, or threatening messages — this is called cyberbullying.
- Leaving someone out of a group chat on purpose to make them feel bad.
- Sharing embarrassing photos of someone without their permission.
- Pretending to be someone else online to trick or frighten a person.
- Posting mean comments on someone’s picture or work.
What is cyberbullying — and what do you do?
- Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to deliberately hurt, frighten, or embarrass another person repeatedly.
- If it happens to you: Do not reply. Screenshot it. Tell a trusted adult immediately.
- If you see it happening to someone else: Do not share or "like" it. Tell a trusted adult.
- You are never in trouble for reporting cyberbullying — you are doing the right thing.
The golden rule of digital citizenship
- Before you post, ask: Would I be comfortable saying this to the person’s face? Would I be happy if an adult saw this?
- If the answer to either question is no — do not send it.
Words to know
Digital citizen
A kind, safe person who uses the internet well
e.g. A good digital citizen says nice things online.
Online
On the internet
e.g. I play games online with my cousin.
Kindness
Saying or doing things that make others feel good
e.g. Show kindness in every chat message.
Cyberbullying
Being mean to someone over the internet
e.g. Cyberbullying is never OK.
Respect
Treating people kindly, even when you disagree
e.g. I write with respect, even online.
Ask yourself: "What is a digital citizen? What is cyberbullying? What should I do if someone is unkind to me online?"
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