iChat, uMessage, weCare “Think before you ‘Post-It” A lesson on the fine line of being online.

Think About It – As a class, let’s watch Oasis’ video “Wonderwall”. Let’s discuss the powerful lyrics…what’s an oasis? What made me choose “Wonderwall.” Hmmm…wonder how Facebook and other social sites like Instagram, KIK, would change if we thought before we posted on the wall. Let’s create a list of all the different ways we communicate with each other electronically. What are your favorite sites? Are we a Wall that helps others stand TALL; do our tweets serve as treats or do they make an individual want to delete and retreat… – Did you know that 95% of teens are online using social networking sites? Did you know that there are over 1 billion online users? – Today’s mini-lesson is about the fine line when online. Everyday you are exposed to the internet and other forms of communication that don’t require face to face or even verbal communication. We will see several videos and will discuss the impact of each briefly. (Please refer to CommonSenseMedia.org for videos.) Let’s discuss why it’s called Common Sense media…

Did You Know? 95% of teens are online using social networking sites? Did you know that there are over 1 billion online users? That’s a LOT of people who COULD be watching what you say!

Where Are You on the Wall… How can you decide the fine-line between online harassment and ‘just joking’? Have you known anyone who crossed the line? What can a student do if someone has crossed the line and bullied someone (or you)? Let’s discuss when someone is unkind on line…

Be The Difference Has anyone ever seen something mean online and instead of joining, offered up advice or encouragement to the person being bullied or harassed? Has anyone ever tried to change a negative post to a positive post? Has anyone ever thought of blocking instead of flocking …fleeting instead of tweeting? Let’s discuss BFF and how to be a Best Facebook Friend, how to KIK it with kindness, how to inspire with Instagram...

Now It’s Your Turn On the Post-It Note, please write a POSITIVE or thoughtful message of encouragement to someone being bullied. When you finish, write your name on the back of the Post-It and give the Post-It to your Super Counselor. We will create a Power of Post-Its Bulletin Board. When you pass the bulletin board, take a moment to stop and reflect on how kindness and hurtful words have something in common; they stick to a person like a Post-It…

Reflect It is easy to be mean and less sensitive when online because you cannot see the person. Remember that if someone says something unkind to you or another person, it is YOUR responsibility as the bystander to tell an adult about what you’ve seen. It’s also a good idea to print out the conversation, messages, or screen so that you can share this with the adult you trust. Be a Wall of Wonderful Possibilities…before you post, stop, think, and wonder… will my Wall help another stand tall or will my Wall contribute to a fall (remember BFF means more than Best Friends Forever…)

Post Test 1. What percentage of teens is using online social networking sites? A. 20% B. 3% C. 95% D. 70% 2. True or False: If someone says something hurtful to you or another person, it is YOUR responsibility as the bystander to tell an adult about what you have seen. Remember to be kind when you are on line and remember your tweets should be treats. Thanks for walking the line with me