Overview
As the line between online and offline continues to blur, students reflect on how they can use intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to build and strengthen positive online communication and communities. They will explore common digital stressors and their influences on relationships. Students will also gain an understanding of how to communicate effectively online and how and why some topics and conversations can best lend themselves to certain mediums.
Our Instructional Approach
Beyond Online Predators
The term "online predator" often conjures up the image of a creepy older man at a computer screen waiting to lure an unsuspecting child. The media reinforces this depiction, which is problematic because it does not fit with the kinds of risky relationships that are more common for kids and teens. In reality, when online sexual solicitation does occur, it's more likely to be between two teens or between a teen and a young adult. Students will need support getting clarity on this misconception and with distinguishing myth from reality when it comes to online sexual solicitation.
Boundaries
Through real-life scenarios and first-person testimonials, students get a chance to practice setting boundaries they're comfortable with. From sexting to grooming to controlling, students learn about the potentially unhealthy behaviors that can result from online relationships.
© Common Sense Media 2018. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org.