SAFE ONLINE TALK
Lesson from Common Sense Media
How many of you have ever heard?
◦Don’t talk to strangers?
How might this
rule change when
we go online?
While the Internet
allows us to talk with
friends we already
know, it also allows
us to communicate,
collaborate, and
share with people
we don’t know and
will never meet in
person.
While online communication is a
wonderful opportunity . . .
. . . it can also have pitfalls
and some people –
unfortunately - use the
Internet inappropriately.
pitfall – a danger or
problem that is not obvious
at first
Let’s watch a video . . .
◦ Three different teens will share their experiences about
connecting online.
◦ Pay close attention because when we finish watching, we’ll
work together to see both the opportunities and pitfalls that
each teen discusses.
◦ https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/perspectiveson-chatting-safely-online
Which story do
you feel most
connected to?
◦Why?
◦What advice did the teenagers share?
◦Do you have anything to add?
Pointers:
◦End any conversation that starts to make you feel
uncomfortable.
◦Remember: You can shut off your device at any
time!
◦People are far away – online. Don’t let them hurt
your feelings!
◦Get help from an adult if needed.
◦AND - When you go online, follow all these rules!
WHAT’S RISKY?
from Common Sense Media
What does it mean to be harassed?
◦harassment – to irritate or torment
consistently; to wear our or exhaust
How would you respond in person if
...
. . . someone came up
to you at school or on
the street and said
something rude or
sexually inappropriate?
How would you handle a stranger
trying to flirt with you?
Hey kitten!
Mee-owww!
These same kinds of things happen
online . . .
◦Sometimes it’s obvious.
◦Sometimes it seems innocent enough - ??
Saying things they wouldn’t say to
your face
◦When conversations are online, people are
bolder.
◦Flirting or any kind of sexual
references online is RISKY!
Sometimes people online don’t really
care about what’s best for you.
◦If anyone online says anything
inappropriate – especially if they
are older – STOP TALKING TO THEM
RIGHT AWAY AND TELL AN ADULT!
INTERNET
TRAFFIC
LIGHT
from Common Sense Media
If you develop a friendship or
relationship online, ask yourself:
◦ Has this person asked me to keep anything
secret?
◦ Has this person flirted with me or asked me
anything sexual?
◦ Has this person asked me about anything private?
◦ Have I felt pressured by this person to do
something?
◦ Do I feel untrue to myself – like I’m not sticking to
what is right – when I talk to this person?
If someone starts chatting about
inappropriate things ◦ or asks you to send a picture . . .
NEVER
◦ AND
PLAN A FACE-TO-FACE MEETING WITHOUT
TAKING A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
So let’s review . . .
◦Are there times when talking online can be an
opportunity for something good?
But what are some of the pitfalls
(dangers/risks)?
What about when you get that “gut
feeling” that something is not right?
◦What should you do?
And what are some of the rules for
staying safe when talking or texting
online?
◦ Don’t reply to questions that make you uncomfortable.
◦ Tell a trusted friend or adult if someone bothers you
online.
◦ Avoid flirting or using sexual language online –
ESPECIALLY WITH PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW!
◦ NEVER, EVER, NEVER plan a face-to-face meeting with
someone you met online without taking your parent or
guardian.
Teachers:
◦ More resources for this lesson can be found on Common Sense Media’s website:
◦ https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/safe-online-talk-6-8