Online Respect
It's okay to say something mean online because the other person can't see your face.
False - words still hurt, no matter how they're delivered
What is gossip?
Spreading rumors or private information about someone, often to hurt or embarrass them
You see a classmate using their device to play games during a lesson. What do you do?
Focus on your own work; optionally let a teacher know
What is a digital footprint?
The trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet or devices
What is an upstander?
Someone who speaks up or takes action when they see something wrong
Name one rule for being respectful when using a device at school.
Examples: use kind language, only use approved apps, keep volume low, stay on task
True or False: Sharing something online about a classmate without their permission is always okay if it's true.
False — even true information can be hurtful or embarrassing to share without consent
Someone in a group chat starts saying mean things about a classmate. What's your first step?
Don't respond with more negativity — exit the chat and tell a trusted adult
True or False: Deleting a message means it's gone forever.
False — messages can be screenshotted, saved, or stored on servers
What is the difference between a bystander and an upstander?
A bystander watches and does nothing; an upstander takes action to help
What does it mean to "treat others online the way you want to be treated"?
the Golden Rule applied to digital spaces: Never saying or doing anything online that you wouldn't feel comfortable saying or doingto someone's face.
What's the difference between gossip and telling a trusted adult about a problem?
Gossip spreads to hurt; telling an adult is done to get help and keep someone safe
You accidentally send a message to the wrong person. What should you do?
Apologize immediately and let a trusted adult know if the message was hurtful
Name one way your digital footprint could affect you in the future.
Examples: college applications, job searches, friendships, reputation
Name one way to be an upstander in an online situation without putting yourself in danger.
Examples: report the message, tell a trusted adult, privately check in with the person being targeted
Someone sends you a funny meme that makes fun of a classmate. What's the respectful thing to do?
Don't share it, tell a trusted adult, or let the classmate know
Your friend sends you a rumor about another student in a group chat. What should you do?
Don't forward it, tell your friend it's not okay, and consider telling a trusted adult
A classmate shows you a screenshot of a hurtful conversation about another student. What do you do?
Don't share it further — bring it to a teacher or counselor
Before you post or send something, what are two questions you should ask yourself?
"Would I say this in person?" and "Would I be okay if a teacher or parent saw this?"
True or False: Being an upstander means you have to publicly call out the person being mean.
False — you can act privately and still make a difference
Why is it important to use respectful language in a group chat, even if you think it's private?
Messages can be screenshotted, shared, or seen by others — nothing is truly private
How can online gossip affect someone's feelings, friendships, and school experience?
can cause sadness, isolation, damaged friendships, and fear of coming to school
You're in a group chat and someone is being left out or made fun of. No adults are watching. What do you do?
Stand up for the person, leave the chat, and report it to a trusted adult
Why is it important to think before you type, even in a private message?
Private messages can become public — your words represent you and have real consequences
Why does it matter if one person stands up in a group chat when someone is being bullied?
It can change the tone of the conversation, make the target feel supported, and discourage others from joining in