Social Smarts Lesson Plan Social Smarts: Stay Safe Online!
Lesson Plan • 9th Grade (Tier 2)
30 Minutes
Interactive Discussion & Scenarios
Why This Matters
Learning to use social media safely is crucial for students' well-being and helps them navigate the online world with confidence, avoiding potential risks like privacy breaches or cyberbullying. This lesson empowers them to make smart choices online.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify at least two ways to protect personal information, recognize one example of trustworthy vs. untrustworthy content, and describe one step to take if they encounter cyberbullying.
Preparation (10 min)
• Review Slide Deck, Teacher Script, and Activity materials.
• Adjust language or examples for specific student needs.
• Project the slide deck in the classroom.
• Print and cut out cards for the Scenario Activity.
Materials Needed
Social Smarts Slide Deck
Teacher Script
Scenarios Activity Sheets
Safety Check Cool Down (Exit Ticket)
Lesson Delivery
5 MIN
Warm-Up & Introduction
Engage students with a simple question: "What is social media?" or "What are some social media apps you know?" Introduce the lesson's goal: learning to stay safe and smart online.
Slide 1
10 MIN
Understanding Online Privacy
Discuss what 'personal information' is and why it's important to keep it private. Provide examples of strong passwords and privacy settings. Facilitate a discussion on sharing information with others online.
Slides 2-4
10 MIN
Trustworthy Content & Cyberbullying
Present simple examples to differentiate between real and fake information. Define cyberbullying and introduce the strategy: Stop, Block, Tell an Adult. Conduct the Scenario Activity.
Slides 5-7 + Scenarios Activity
5 MIN
Wrap-Up & Cool Down
Review key takeaways. Distribute the Cool Down tickets to assess understanding. Collect them as students exit or transition.
Slide 8 + Cool Down Worksheet
Social Smarts Slide Deck Social Smarts:
Stay Safe Online!
Let's learn how to use social media safely and smartly!
What is "Personal Information"?
Things about YOU that you should keep private online:
Don't share these with strangers!
Keep Your Info Private!
Strong Passwords
Use letters, numbers, and symbols.
Sm@rtPh0ne!
Privacy Settings
Check who can see your posts and profile.
Think Before You Post
Once it's online, it's hard to take back!
Who Are Your Online Friends?
Connect with people you know and trust in real life.
Real Friends
Family, school friends, teammates.
Strangers
People you don't know in real life. Be careful!
DON'T ACCEPT REQUESTS
Real or Fake?
Not everything you see online is true!
Too good to
It probably is!
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to hurt or scare another person.
Mean messages or comments
Spreading rumors online
Sharing embarrassing pictures
Leaving someone out
What to Do About Cyberbullying
STOP
Don't respond or fight back.
BLOCK
Block the person who is mean.
TELL
Tell a trusted adult (parent/teacher).
Be a Social Smarts Star!
Keep info private.
Think before you post.
Connect with people you know.
Check if info is real.
STOP, BLOCK, TELL.
Social Smarts Teacher Script Teacher Script
Social Smarts: Stay Safe Online!
30 Min Total
Warm-Up & Introduction 5 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 1: "Social Smarts: Stay Safe Online!"
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important that many of you use: social media. Can anyone tell me what social media is, or name some apps they know?"
Pause for student responses. Affirm and guide. Examples: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat.
Teacher: "That's right! Social media is a way we connect, share, and learn online. It can be a lot of fun, but it's also important to be smart and safe when we use it. Today, we're going to learn how to be 'Social Smarts Stars' and stay safe online!"
Understanding Online Privacy 10 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 2: "What is 'Personal Information'?"
Teacher: "First, let's talk about 'personal information.' This is information that tells people who you are and where you are. Why do you think it's important to keep some information private online?"
Pause for responses. Guide towards safety and privacy.
Teacher: "Exactly! We want to keep ourselves safe. Look at this list. These are examples of personal information you should always keep private. Can someone read one?"
DISPLAY SLIDE 3: "Keep Your Info Private!"
Teacher: "Strong passwords are like super-secret codes. Look at the example. It uses big letters, small letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, check your Privacy Settings . It's like deciding who gets to see your house. Only share with people you trust in real life!"
Teacher: "And here's a big one: Think Before You Post! Once it's online, it stays online. Ask yourself: Is this kind? Is this safe?"
Truth & Cyberbullying 10 Minutes
DISPLAY SLIDE 5: "Real or Fake?"
Teacher: "Is everything online true? No! If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you aren't sure, what should you do? (Guide: Ask an adult )."
DISPLAY SLIDE 6 & 7: "Cyberbullying & Stop, Block, Tell"
Teacher: "Sadly, some people are mean online. This is cyberbullying. If this happens, remember: STOP, BLOCK, TELL. "
STOP: Don't respond to mean messages.BLOCK: Close the door on them!TELL: Tell a parent, teacher, or counselor.
Social Smarts Scenarios Activity Social Smarts Activity
Be a Social Smarts Star! ⭐
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
How to Play
Read each situation below. Think about what a "Social Smarts Star" would do! Talk with your group and write or draw your answer in the box.
Scenario 1: New Friend Request
Situation: You get a friend request on social media from someone you don't know. Their profile picture looks cool, but you have never met them in real life.
What would a "Social Smarts Star" do?
Scenario 2: Sharing Your Location
Situation: You are at a fun event with your family. You want to post a picture online and tag your exact location (address) so all your friends know exactly where you are.
What would a "Social Smarts Star" do?
Scenario 3: A Mean Comment
Situation: You post a picture you really like. Someone you know from school leaves a mean comment saying your picture is "ugly" and "stupid."
What would a "Social Smarts Star" do?
(Remember: STOP, BLOCK, TELL!)
🔒
STAY PRIVATE
🧠
THINK FIRST
🛑
STOP & BLOCK
🗣️
TELL AN ADULT
Social Smarts Cool Down Ticket Social Media Safety Check
Cool Down • Student Exit Ticket
⭐ STAR
Name
______________________________________
Date
________________
1 What is one thing you will keep private online?
2 What should you do if someone is mean to you online?
STOP
BLOCK
TELL
Social Media Safety Check
Cool Down • Student Exit Ticket
⭐ STAR
(Duplicate for printing - same as above)
