Digital Citizen Lesson Plan Digital Citizen
Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand the impact of social media actions and commit to responsible behaviors via a signed contract.
Audience
7th Grade Students (Small Group / Tier 2)
Approach
Guided discussion, direct instruction, and collaborative contract development.
Why This Matters
Establishing clear expectations for social media use is crucial for student well-being, fostering a respectful school environment, and teaching valuable lessons about digital citizenship and personal responsibility. This will directly address the negative impact on classroom behavior.
Preparation
Review lesson plan, slides, script, and contract.
Print two copies of the Behavior Contract.
Ensure projector/screen is ready for the slide deck.
Prepare a private, calm space for discussion.
Materials
Behavior Contract (2 copies)
Digital Citizen Slide Deck
Teacher Script
Instructional Steps
Stage & Time Teacher Actions 1. Introduction
5 Minutes
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Use the Teacher Script to welcome students and explain the meeting's purpose: social media and school impact.
Emphasize support and positive paths forward over punishment.
Display Slide 1 (Title Slide).
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2. Understanding
10 Minutes
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Guide a discussion on the impact of online actions , focusing on inappropriate content and cyberbullying.
Use Slides 2-4 to facilitate the conversation.
Invite students to share their personal definition of digital citizenship.
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3. The Contract
10 Minutes
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Introduce the Behavior Contract as a tool for clear expectations.
Review each section: inappropriate pictures, cyberbullying, and classroom conduct.
Use Slides 5-6. Clarify terms and consequences. Ensure student understanding.
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4. Agreement
5 Minutes
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Students sign two copies of the contract (one for student, one for school records).
Reiterate commitment to support them.
Conclude with confidence in their positive changes. Use Slide 7.
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Digital Citizen Slide Deck Digital Citizenship
Your Digital Footprint
What does it mean to be a good digital citizen? It's about making smart, safe, and respectful choices online.
Online Actions, Real-Life Impact
How do our online actions affect...
Our friendships?
Our reputation?
Our school environment?
Think about cyberbullying and sharing inappropriate content.
What are the consequences?
The Ripple Effect
💔
It hurts others deeply and breaks trust.
⚔️
It creates conflict in school.
⚖️
It can have serious consequences for everyone.
Taking Control
You have the power to choose how you act online.
Responsible choices mean:
Thinking before you post or send.
Treating others with respect.
Protecting your own and others' privacy.
Seeking help if you see something concerning.
Our Commitment
We're going to create a
behavior contract together.
Clear expectations for social media use.
How to resolve conflicts respectfully.
A shared commitment to a positive school.
What We Agree To
No sending inappropriate pictures.
No cyberbullying or negative online interactions.
Respectful communication both online and in person.
Support & Safety
• Understanding the consequences.
• Getting help when things are tough.
• School-wide commitment to your success.
Moving Forward Positively
By working together, we can ensure a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.
WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
Digital Citizen Teacher Script Teacher Script
Digital Citizen Contract Session
Stage 1
Introduction & Setting the Stage (5 mins)
Teacher:
"Hi [Student 1's Name] and [Student 2's Name]. Thank you for coming in today. We're here to have an important conversation about how our actions online can affect our school community and your experience here. This isn't about getting anyone in trouble, but about working together to make sure everyone feels safe and respected, both online and in the classroom. We want to support you in making positive choices, and this discussion is a step towards that."
Teacher:
"As you can see on the screen (Refer to Slide 1) , we're going to talk about being a good digital citizen. What does that phrase mean to you?"
Stage 2
Understanding the Impact (10 mins)
Teacher:
"Let's move to our next slide (Refer to Slide 2) . Think about your online interactions. How do you think our actions online, like what we say or share, affect our friendships, our reputation, our school environment, or even how we feel about ourselves and others?"
Space for student discussion notes
Teacher:
"Now, specifically, we need to talk about sending inappropriate pictures and cyberbullying. What are some of the consequences you can imagine when something like that happens online? (Refer to Slide 3) . How does it make others feel? How does it affect the classroom when conflicts spill over from online?"
Space for student discussion notes
Teacher:
"It's important to understand that you have the power to control your online actions and make positive choices. (Refer to Slide 4) . What are some ways you think you can be more responsible online?"
Stage 3
Introducing the Behavior Contract (10 mins)
Teacher:
"To help us all move forward and ensure a positive environment, we're going to look at a Behavior Contract. (Refer to Slide 5) . This isn't a punishment, but a tool to help us clearly define expectations and support you in meeting them. It's a commitment from you to yourselves, to your classmates, and to our school."
Teacher:
"Let's go through the contract together. (Distribute Behavior Contract to students) . Please read along with me. (Refer to Slide 6) ."
"First, regarding inappropriate pictures: this contract states that you will not send, share, or possess any inappropriate pictures or videos on any social media platform or device. This includes content that is sexually suggestive, violent, harassing, or otherwise goes against school policy. Do you understand this expectation? Do you have any questions about what 'inappropriate' means in this context?"
Digital Citizen Behavior Contract Digital Citizen Behavior Contract
A Commitment to Respect, Safety, and Responsibility
Student Name
Date
Student Name
Date
Our Shared Commitment
This contract is a mutual agreement to ensure a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment. We understand that our actions online have real-world consequences and can significantly impact our peers and the school environment. By signing this contract, we commit to the following expectations:
1
Responsible Social Media Use: No Inappropriate Content
I agree that I will not send, share, post, or possess any inappropriate pictures or videos on any social media platform, messaging app, or electronic device. This includes content that is sexually suggestive, violent, harassing, or otherwise goes against school policy.
2
No Cyberbullying or Harassment
I agree that I will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or any negative or disrespectful communication towards others online. This includes posting hurtful comments, spreading rumors, or creating fake profiles.
3
Respectful Communication and Classroom Behavior
I agree to engage in respectful and appropriate communication both online and in person. I will ensure my online activities do not negatively impact my behavior or create conflicts within the classroom.
4
Accountability and Consequences
I understand that failure to adhere to the terms of this contract may result in consequences, which could include: loss of technology privileges, parent notification, disciplinary action, or restorative justice practices.
5
Seeking Support
I understand that I am not alone. I commit to speaking with a trusted adult if I am struggling to meet these expectations or if I witness others violating these terms.
Agreement
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to uphold the terms of this contract.
Student Signature 1
Date
Student Signature 2
Date
Teacher/Administrator Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature 1 (Optional)
Parent/Guardian Signature 2 (Optional)