Introduction

As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students to navigate the world of social media responsibly. One crucial aspect of this is understanding the potential impact of sharing pictures of friends online. In this blog post, we will explore an easy no-prep activity to help middle school students develop their Cyber Skills and learn to think before they post.

No-Prep Activity

This activity aims to help students understand the importance of considering others’ feelings before sharing photos on social media. The activity requires no preparation or materials and can be completed in a classroom setting.

1. Divide the students into small groups of 3-4.
2. Ask each group to come up with a hypothetical scenario where one person shares a photo of their friends on social media without asking for permission.
3. Have each group discuss the potential consequences and how the person in the photo might feel.
4. Then, have the groups brainstorm ways to handle the situation responsibly, using their Cyber Skills, such as asking for permission and considering others’ feelings.
5. Finally, ask each group to share their scenario, the potential consequences, and their proposed solutions with the class.

This activity encourages students to think critically about the implications of their online actions and helps them develop empathy for others.

Discussion Questions

After completing the no-prep activity, engage your students in a discussion with these questions:

1. Why is it important to ask for permission before sharing photos of others on social media?
2. What are some potential consequences of sharing a photo without asking for permission?
3. How can using our Cyber Skills help us navigate social media responsibly?
4. What are some strategies to ensure we always consider others’ feelings when using social media?
5. How can we support our friends in making responsible choices on social media?

Related Skills

Beyond Cyber Skills, there are other essential social-emotional learning skills that students can benefit from when navigating social media. These include:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings effectively and respectfully.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and understanding how they affect others.
• Digital citizenship: Using technology responsibly and respectfully.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the importance of Cyber Skills for middle school students, it’s time to take action. Start incorporating these principles into your classroom and help your students navigate the world of social media responsibly. To access free sample materials, including lessons and activities related to Cyber Skills and other social-emotional learning topics, sign up at Everyday Speech.