Putting a STOP to Online Meanness
What should you do if someone is mean to you online?
Digital Citizenship -- K-2
The internet is filled with fun and interesting things, but sometimes people can be mean to each other online. What does online mean?
Some ways people can be mean online include:
- Sending a mean message or text to someone
- Posting mean things about somone on a website
- Making fun of someone online
- Doing mean things to someone's character in an online game
Mean behavior can make people feel hurt, angry, upset, and scared.
What should she do??
Sara's parents let her play on a website where she can take care of a pet puppy and decorate its doghouse and playpen. One day, Sara was playing on her friend Michael's iPad and accidently forgot to sign out before she left. The next day, Sara went to play the game to care for her puppy and found the puppy's playpen was a mess and there were items she had decorated with missing.
- What do you think happened?
- How do you think Sara feels? Why?
If you ever experience online meanness, remember to STOP!
- S - STEP AWAY ... why do you think you should stop using your device and step away?
- T - TELL A TRUSTED ADULT ... If someone makes you feel angry, sad, or scared online, which grown-ups can you tell and ask for help?
- O - OK SITES ONLY ... Why is it important to go online only with an adult, or when an adult says it is ok?
- P - PAUSE AND THINK ... Would it be helpful to talk to the person who was being mean?
Since Sara wants to put a S-T-O-P to online meanness, how do you think Sara should respond?
Go through the steps .... S .... T .... O .... P
Additional Resources
Teachers, for more information and a full lesson plan with lesson resources, visit Putting a STOP to Online Meanness | Common Sense Education
Parent Resources:
Family Activity - 2nd Grade - Google Slides
K–12 Family Tips: Cyberbullying, Digital Drama, & Hate Speech | Common Sense Education
Standards Alignment
CASEL
1a, 1b, 1e, 2a, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f
AASL
I.A.2, III.A.1, III.A.2, III.A.3, VI.A.1, VI.A.2, VI.A.3, I.B.3, II.B.1, II.B.2, III.B.1, III.B.2, I.C.1, I.C.4, II.C.1, II.C.2, VI.C.2, I.D.1, I.D.2, I.D.3, I.D.4, II.D.1, II.D.2, II.D.3, III.D.1, VI.D.1, VI.D.2, II.B.3
ISTE
1d, 2a, 2b, 3d, 7c