LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe how online behavior can have an impact, learn conflict resolution skills to defuse online negativity, and promote positive online communication

HEALTH ED STANDARD

Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks. (NHES 4)

KEY VOCAB

torments, retaliation, devastated, remedy

Lesson Plan: Are You Secretly a Cyberbully?

Digital drama has become an issue for teens all over the world. In this article, students will read about different types of cyberbullies and learn how to avoid becoming one themselves.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I make sure my online behavior is something I can be proud of?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. Why isn’t it smart to directly engage with someone who is making a negative comment online about someone you care about? When people post negative things about others online, they’re usually looking for a reaction. Instead, put your attention towards checking on the victim.
  2. What’s the best way to react if a friend starts being a cyberbully in a group setting? Tell the friend that what they’re doing isn’t cool, or try to do something that will turn the group’s attention away from the cyberbully.
  3. What should you do if you’ve shared something hurtful about someone on social media? Even if you didn’t mean to hurt the person, you should admit that you made a mistake and apologize.

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 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS 

  1. What is it about online interaction that makes people more comfortable with being cruel? Possible answer: They can follow the crowd and post anonymously without repercussions.
  2. When was the last time negative behavior towards someone online made you uncomfortable? How could you use the tips from the article to handle the situation differently? Answers will vary.
  3. What are possible legal consequences of harassing someone online? Possible answers: If you share inappropriate photos of other teens, you can get charged with child pornography. If the incident impacts a fellow classmate, you can get suspended or expelled from school.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

WATCH AND LEARN

NHES 2, NHES 8

In the article, students will read about teens who have stepped up at school to fight against cyberbullying. Then, after watching the video on our site about Jeremiah Anthony, a teen who used Twitter to spread positivity at his school, students will identify ways they can CHANGE THE CULTURE of their school to make it an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

NHES 6

Many times, students feel like if they aren’t directly part of harassment, then they aren’t part of a problem. In this activity, students will create an agreement and decide what is acceptable online behavior. Then they’ll create NOT ON OUR WATCH guidelines to help everyone get on the same page.

Text-to-Speech