Social Media Warm Up Social Media Check-In
Name
Date
Warm-Up Activity
Think about your favorite social media platform (like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or even YouTube).
What do you like most about it?
What is one thing you wish was different or that you worry about?
Pro Tip: Social media is designed to be engaging, but it's important to be mindful of how it makes us feel. Sharing your concerns is the first step to staying safe!
Safe Steps Lesson Plan Safe Steps Online
Digital Footprint Lesson Plan
Duration
50 MIN
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify at least three risks associated with social media use, explain the concept of a digital footprint, and list strategies for maintaining online privacy and responsible behavior.
Why This Matters
In an increasingly digital world, understanding social media safety is crucial. This lesson empowers students to make informed decisions online, protect their personal information, and cultivate a positive digital presence, which are vital skills for their future.
Logistics
Target Audience
6th - 8th Grade
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and hands-on activity.
Required Materials
Smartboard / Projector
Presentation Slides
Safety Scenario Cards
Student Worksheets
Instructional Steps
5 MIN
Warm Up: Social Media Check-In
Distribute the Social Media Warm Up or display the prompt.
Ask students to reflect on their favorite social media platform and one concern or wish they have about it.
Briefly discuss a few responses, emphasizing that many people share similar feelings and concerns.
10 MIN
Introduction to Digital Footprint
Present initial slides to introduce the concept of a Digital Footprint .
Use the script to guide discussion, asking probing questions about what students understand about online information.
Emphasize the permanence and reach of online actions.
15 MIN
Risks and Safety Strategies
Continue through slides, focusing on common social media risks (privacy, cyberbullying, misinformation).
Teach strategies for staying safe (strong passwords, privacy settings, thinking before posting).
Facilitate a class discussion for examples (without naming names) or questions.
15 MIN
Social Media Safety Activity
Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
Have each group work through the provided scenarios, discussing safe and responsible responses.
Circulate to provide guidance. Bring class together to discuss 1-2 scenarios as a whole group.
5 MIN
Worksheet & Wrap Up
Distribute the Digital Footprint Worksheet .
Explain that this will help summarize key takeaways. Allow students to start; complete as homework if needed.
Teacher Preparation
10 MIN PREP
Review the Slide Deck and teacher talking points.
Print copies of the Worksheet for each student.
Print and cut the Safety Scenario Cards for group work.
Ensure projector/Smartboard is ready for presentation.
Digital Footprint Slide Deck Digital Citizenship
Safe Steps Online
Navigating your digital world with wisdom and responsibility.
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students and introduce the topic: Social Media Safety. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'social media.'
Your Digital Footprint
Every Click, Post, & Like
It's the trail of data you leave online.
Includes photos, comments, likes, shares, and websites you visit.
It's like your personal online story .
"Once it's out there, it's never truly gone."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain the concept of a digital footprint. Use an analogy like actual footprints in sand or snow to make it relatable. Emphasize that everything they do online leaves a trace.
Why Does it Matter?
It's Permanent
Once it's online, it's incredibly hard to remove. Deleting isn't always disappearing.
It's Public
Even with privacy settings, things can be screenshotted and shared beyond your control.
Shapes Your Image
Affects how friends, family, colleges, and future employers see you.
TEACHER NOTES: Discuss why a digital footprint matters. Highlight the permanence and accessibility of online information. Ask students to think about how future colleges or employers might view their online presence.
Common Social Media Risks
Privacy
Sharing too much personal info.
Cyberbullying
Hurting others with words/images.
Misinformation
Spreading false info or rumors.
Screen Time
Losing track of the real world.
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce common risks. Ask students if they've heard of any of these or if they can think of other potential dangers.
Group Discussion
Activity: Unknown Friend Request?
You receive a request from someone you don't know. Their profile looks cool, and they have many mutual friends from your school, but you've never met them.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
What should you do? Why?
TEACHER NOTES: Present the scenario. Ask students to first think individually, then discuss with a partner (Think-Pair-Share), and finally share their thoughts with the class. Emphasize the 'why' behind their decision.
Protecting Your Privacy
Think Before You Post
Would you want your parents or future boss to see this?
Social Media Safety Activity Social Media Safety Scenarios
Small Group Activity
Group Members
Instructions
Read each scenario below with your group. Discuss the safest and most responsible way to respond. Write down your group's decision and be prepared to share your reasoning with the class.
Scenario 1
The 'Friend' Request
You receive a friend request from someone you don't know. Their profile looks cool, and they have mutual friends from your school, but you've never met them in person.
Your Group's Response & Why:
Scenario 2
The Embarrassing Photo
A friend posts an embarrassing photo of you. You ask them to take it down, but they say, "It's just a joke! No big deal." They won't delete it.
Your Group's Response & Why:
Scenario 3
Sharing Personal Info
A nice person you met in a gaming community asks for your school name, full name, and address so they can send you a "pro gamer" gift.
Your Group's Response & Why:
Scenario 4
The Rumor Mill
You see a post spreading a nasty rumor about a classmate that you know isn't true. Many people are commenting and sharing it.
Your Group's Response & Why:
Digital Footprint Worksheet Safe Steps Online
Personal Reflection Worksheet
Student Name
Date
1 What is a "digital footprint"? Explain it in your own words.
2 List three types of information that can become part of your digital footprint.
A.
B.
C.
3 Why is it important to think before you post something online?
4 Name two ways you can protect your privacy on social media.
5 If you see a friend being cyberbullied, what are two actions you could take?
1
2
6 What is one new thing you learned today that you will try to remember? Social Media Cool Down One-Minute Reflection
Safe Steps Online Wrap-Up
Student
The Big Takeaway
Complete the following sentence:
"One thing I will remember about being safe and responsible on social media is..."
BONUS
Curiosity Corner
What is one question you still have about social media or your digital footprint?
Digital Citizen Verified
