Six Strategies to Teach Safe Social Media Use in the Classroom

Dealing with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (or other social media sites) is a reality in the classroom and in life - regardless of age or grade. “Technology is all around us, and your students don’t stop using cell phones and social media when they get to school. Both in and out of the classroom, teachers can play an important role in keeping [children and] teens safe” (Facebook Safety Center – Teaching Digital Kids).

As a 21^st century teacher I believe it is VERY important to explicitly model and teach digital citizenship to our students! Strategies that I would use to teach safe and appropriate use of these popular social media sites include:

1.    Create "fake" Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter bulletin boards/projects prior to implementing the online classroom accounts. Explain the many features that the websites have to offer. Stress to your students that anyone who walks the halls can read their writing and see the pictures that they choose to put up. Tell the students that the decisions they make online today can stay with them, and the rest of cyberspace, forever (check out: Online Safety Tips…. Your Digital Footprint)!

         Sample bulletin boards:

          Instagram: 

 https://dborck.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/student-life-on-display-with-instagram-board/ 

          Facebook:

student profile example: 

http://www.applesandabcs.com/2013/09/a-tour-of-my-classroom-4th-grade.html

Interactive board example: 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133348838939727179/

          Twitter: 

                                  http://www.marcicoombs.com/2014/01/classroom-bulletin-board-ideas.html

2.    Review/discuss Internet safety tips. I found a few great quick videos on www.commonsensemedia.org that you could play for your students.

3.    Have your students sign a Social Media Contract that outlines what students will and will not be able to do while using the sites. It should also include consequences for any rules that get broken. It is important that your students know that the online space created for them is positive, safe, and judgment free.

A free child-friendly contract can be downloaded here: 

http://www.imom.com/printable/social-media-contract-for-kids/#.VsqgurQrLIU

4.    In groups, have students discuss answers to:

a.    Why is it important to have a good and secure password? What makes a good password?

b.    How can you decide if a website is a credible source that can be trusted?

c.    Is it always safe to download content such as information or music? Explain.

d.    What is cyberbullying? What steps should you take if you are being cyberbullied or you no longer feel safe online?

e.    What should you do if a friend tells you she is receiving mean messages or pictures?

f.     Should you agree to meet someone in person that you met online? Explain.

g.    Why should you think about the items you want to post before posting them? Explain.

5.    Invite the police department to share some valuable information with your class. In London, Ontario, the London police have started to teach internet safety to students as early as Grade 2 (read the article here: http://www.lfpress.com/2016/02/09/london-police-teaching-internet-safety-to-elementary-school-students ).

6.    Maintain your own positive digital footprint! Be a role model for your students and their families!