Safe Connections Lesson Plan Safe Connections
Lesson Plan
A comprehensive guide for exploring digital friendships, online safety, and the impact of cyberbullying through interactive media and group activities.
7th Grade
4 x 30 mins
Learning Objectives
• Analyze the emotional and social impacts of online bullying.
• Identify qualities of healthy versus toxic digital friendships.
• Develop practical strategies for maintaining online safety and supporting peers.
Materials Needed
Film: "Are You Okay?"
Digital Pals Slides
Screen Talk Discussion Guide
Guardian Blueprint Worksheet
Session Sequence
SESSION 1
30 mins
Introduction & Film Viewing
0-5m: Intro Briefly introduce digital friendships. Explain that while the internet connects us, it also requires "digital emotional intelligence."
5-20m: Film Watch the video "Are You Okay?" (found at this link ). Encourage students to notice character emotions.
20-30m: Check-in Immediate reactions. How did the film make them feel? What was the most impactful moment?
SESSION 2
30 mins
Group Discussion
0-5m: Review Recap the characters from the film.
5-25m: Group Talk Divide students into groups. Distribute the Screen Talk Discussion Guide. Facilitate rounds of questions regarding supporting friends and healthy boundaries.
25-30m: Share-back One key takeaway from each group.
SESSION 3
30 mins
Poster Design
0-5m: Briefing Distribute the Guardian Blueprint Worksheet. Explain the goal: create a visual guide for other 7th graders to stay safe.
5-30m: Workshop Students use the worksheet to brainstorm, then begin drafting their posters on large paper. Focus on the "Three Qualities" and "Two Strategies."
SESSION 4
30 mins
Presentation & Gallery Walk
0-10m: Final Polish Groups finish their posters and hang them around the room.
10-25m: Gallery Walk Students move from poster to poster, leaving "sticky note kudos" for good advice or creative design.
25-30m: Wrap-up Final reflection on what it means to be a "Digital Guardian."
Teacher Sensitivity Note
Cyberbullying can be a personal and painful topic for many students. Before beginning, emphasize that the classroom is a safe space. Remind students of the school's reporting protocols if they or someone they know is being bullied.
Screen Talk Discussion Guide Digital Safety Series
Screen Talk
A guided discussion on the film "Are You Okay?"
Team Name / Date
1
What were the main issues that the characters in the video faced due to online bullying?
Reflect on the emotional impact and the social consequences shown in the film.
2
How can you support a friend who is experiencing online bullying?
Think about practical steps, emotional support, and the role of communication.
3
What actions can you take to maintain a healthy digital friendship?
Discuss boundaries, respect, and qualities that make an online relationship strong.
Discussion Tip
Listen as much as you speak. Everyone's digital experience is different. Respect the "Safe Space" rules of your classroom.
Guardian Blueprint Worksheet Design Workshop
Guardian Blueprint
Plan your digital safety poster. Use these prompts to brainstorm the core message of your campaign.
Student Name
Date
1. Healthy Connection Qualities
List three qualities that define a healthy digital friendship (e.g., respect, trust, boundaries).
01
02
03
2. Defense Strategies
Write down two strategies to avoid or report online bullying.
Strategy A
Strategy B
3. Visual Icon
Sketch a symbol or image that represents "Digital Safety" to you. This will be the centerpiece of your poster.
Ref: DS-7-MOD3-PST
Digital Pals Slides Digital Safety
Digital
Friendships
Navigating relationships, safety, and support in a connected world.
The Essential Question
What makes a digital friendship healthy, and how do we protect ourselves and others?
Short Film:
"Are You Okay?"
As we watch, pay attention to:
How characters interact online vs. in-person.
The emotional impact of messages and posts.
Moments where someone could have stepped in.
Teacher: Screen the film here using the provided link.
Watch: "Are You Okay?"
Safe Space Discussion
Be Kind
Respect different experiences and feelings. Avoid judging or naming names.
Listen Deeply
Focus on understanding your peers' perspectives without interrupting.
Stay Private
What is shared in this room stays in this room. Privacy creates trust.
Digital Green Flags
What a healthy online friend looks like:
01
Respects your "Off-Screen" time and boundaries.
02
Doesn't pressure you to share private info or photos.
03
Offers support and kindness in public posts and private chats.
Guardian Strategies
If things feel wrong or you see bullying happening, take action:
Block & Mute immediately
Report using platform tools
Tell a trusted adult right away
Stay Safe
Guardian Blueprint
Now it's your turn! Work with your team to design a poster that will help other students stay safe online.
Brainstorm
Design
Present