The digital world creates particular challenges for kids. Social cues can be harder to read online, anonymity can encourage negative behavior, and online bullying is easily repeated and leaves a digital footprint.
But the Internet can amplify kindness as well as negativity. Learning to convey kindness and empathy—and how to respond to negativity and harassment—is essential for building healthy relationships and reducing feelings of isolation that can sometimes lead to bullying, depression, academic struggles, and other problems.
Research shows that rather than simply telling kids not to be negative online, effective safety education addresses the underlying causes of negative behaviors. These activities encourage students to interact positively from the start and teach them how to deal with negativity if it happens.
Standards Addressed: