Computer Science: Personal Health and Safety – Grade 5

When you search for information online, search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo help you find what you're looking for. But sometimes, the internet contains pictures, videos, or websites that aren't appropriate for kids your age. That's where safe-search features come in to help protect you! 🔍

What is Safe-Search?

Safe-search is like a digital filter that helps block inappropriate content from appearing in your search results. Think of it like a special pair of glasses that only lets you see the good stuff and blocks out anything that might be harmful or inappropriate for children. When safe-search is turned on, it works automatically in the background to make your internet experience safer.

Safe-search filters look for specific words, images, and website content that might not be suitable for young people. It's like having a helpful guardian that watches over your searches and says, "Nope, that's not something a kid should see," and removes it from your results.

Why is Safe-Search Important?

The internet is like a huge library with billions of books, but not all of those books are meant for children. Some content online is designed for adults only, and some might even be dangerous or scary. Safe-search helps ensure that when you're looking for information about your favorite animals, sports, or school projects, you only see results that are appropriate and safe for you.

Without safe-search, you might accidentally come across:

• Violent or scary images that could give you nightmares
• Inappropriate language that you shouldn't be reading
• Adult content that's not meant for children
• Dangerous websites that could harm your computer

How to Recognize When Safe-Search is On

Most search engines have visual indicators that show you when safe-search is active. Look for:

• Settings symbols (usually a gear icon ⚙️) in the corner of your search page
• Green checkmarks or shield icons 🛡️ that indicate protection is active
• "SafeSearch: On" text in the search settings
• Color-coded indicators that show filtering is enabled

What to Do If You're Unsure

If you're not sure whether safe-search is turned on, or if you see something online that makes you uncomfortable, here's what you should do:

1. Stop what you're doing and don't click on anything suspicious
2. Ask a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or librarian for help
3. Tell someone immediately if you see something that scares or confuses you
4. Don't try to "fix" it yourself - adults are there to help you stay safe

Working with Adults for Digital Safety

Safe-search works best when you and the adults in your life work together. Your parents, teachers, and other caring adults want to make sure you have a positive experience online. They can help you:

• Check that safe-search is properly enabled on all your devices
• Understand what to do if you encounter something inappropriate
• Learn how to report problems to the right people
• Develop good digital habits that will keep you safe as you grow up

Safe-Search Isn't Perfect

While safe-search is a powerful tool, it's important to understand that no filter is 100% perfect. Sometimes inappropriate content might slip through, or sometimes safe content might be accidentally blocked. That's why it's so important to:

• Always have an adult nearby when you're using the internet
• Know how to ask for help when you need it
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
• Remember that technology is a tool that works best when combined with human judgment and care

Just like your parents keep you safe when you're playing outside by watching over you, they also have special tools to help keep you safe when you're using digital devices. These tools are called parental digital monitoring programs, and they're designed to help parents protect their children in the digital world. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💻

What Are Parental Monitoring Programs?

Parental monitoring programs are software applications that help parents keep track of their children's online activities and ensure their digital safety. Think of them like a digital safety net that helps parents know what their kids are doing online, just like how they might check on you when you're playing in the backyard.

These programs can do many different things:

• Track which websites you visit and for how long
• Monitor what you search for on the internet
• Control what apps you can download and use
• Set time limits for device usage
• Block inappropriate content automatically
• Send alerts to parents if something concerning happens

Why Do Parents Use These Programs?

Parents use monitoring programs because they love you and want to keep you safe. Just like they wouldn't let you walk alone in a dangerous neighborhood, they want to make sure you're safe when you're exploring the digital world. The internet can be a wonderful place for learning and fun, but it can also have some scary or inappropriate areas that aren't safe for children.

Parents use these tools to:

• Protect you from online predators who might try to trick or harm children
• Keep you away from inappropriate content that could be scary or confusing
• Make sure you're not spending too much time on devices, which can be unhealthy
• Help you develop good digital habits that will serve you well as you grow up
• Know when you need help with something you've encountered online

How These Programs Help Keep You Safe

Monitoring programs work in the background to create a safer digital environment for you. Here's how they help:

Content Filtering: These programs can automatically block websites, images, or videos that aren't appropriate for children. It's like having a bouncer at a club who only lets the right people in.

Time Management: They can help make sure you don't spend too much time on devices, which is important for your physical health, sleep, and time with family and friends.

Communication Monitoring: Some programs can watch for dangerous conversations, like if a stranger tries to ask you personal questions or meet you in person.

App Control: They can prevent you from downloading apps that might be dangerous or inappropriate for your age.

Understanding Privacy vs. Safety

As you get older, you might start to wonder about privacy - the idea that you should be able to do some things without everyone watching. This is a normal feeling, and it's important to understand the difference between privacy and safety.

Privacy is like having your own room where you can think, read, and be yourself. Safety is like having smoke detectors in your house - they're there to protect you, even though they're always watching.

Your parents use monitoring programs not because they don't trust you, but because they want to protect you from dangers that you might not even know exist. As you prove that you can make good choices and stay safe online, many parents will gradually give you more privacy and freedom.

How to Talk to Your Parents About Monitoring

If you have questions about the monitoring programs your parents use, here's how you can have a good conversation with them:

1. Ask questions respectfully: "Can you help me understand why you use this program?"
2. Listen to their concerns: Try to understand what they're worried about
3. Show that you understand safety: Demonstrate that you know how to make good choices online
4. Discuss earning more freedom: Ask what you can do to earn more independence as you grow up
5. Work together: See if you can find ways to stay safe that you both feel good about

Building Trust Over Time

The goal of parental monitoring isn't to control you forever - it's to keep you safe while you learn how to navigate the digital world responsibly. Think of it like learning to ride a bike: first you use training wheels, then your parent runs alongside you holding the bike, and eventually you can ride safely on your own.

As you demonstrate good digital citizenship by:

• Following family rules about internet use
• Asking for help when you need it
• Making good choices about what you look at and who you talk to online
• Being honest about your online experiences

Your parents will likely give you more freedom and privacy over time. The key is showing that you can be trusted to make safe choices even when no one is watching.

The digital world is full of amazing opportunities for learning, creating, and connecting with others. However, just like in the real world, there are some dangers that you need to know about and avoid. Learning to recognize these digital threats is like learning to look both ways before crossing the street - it's an essential safety skill! 🚨💻

What Are Digital Threats?

Digital threats are anything that could harm you, your family, or your electronic devices when you're using technology. These threats can come in many different forms, and they're often designed to trick people into making mistakes. Think of them as digital "bad guys" who want to cause problems or steal things from you.

The most common digital threats that kids your age might encounter include:

• Malware and viruses that can damage your devices
• Phishing attempts that try to steal personal information
• Inappropriate content that isn't suitable for children
• Online predators who pretend to be someone they're not
• Cyberbullying from other people online
• Scams that try to trick you or your family

Understanding Malware and Viruses

Malware (which stands for "malicious software") and viruses are like digital germs that can make your computer, tablet, or phone very sick. Just like how you wash your hands to avoid getting sick, you need to be careful about what you click on and download to avoid these digital germs.

Common signs that a device might have malware or viruses:

• The device runs much slower than usual 🐌
• Pop-up ads appear constantly, even when you're not using the internet
• Programs open and close by themselves
• The device gets very hot or the battery drains quickly
• Strange messages or emails are sent from your accounts without your permission

How to avoid malware and viruses:

• Only download apps from official stores (like the App Store or Google Play)
• Never click on suspicious links in emails or text messages
• Don't download anything that seems "too good to be true"
• Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches
• Use antivirus software if your parents install it

Recognizing Phishing and Scams

Phishing is when someone pretends to be a trusted person or company to trick you into giving them personal information like passwords, addresses, or credit card numbers. It's like a digital version of someone wearing a disguise to trick you.

Common phishing attempts might look like:

• Fake emails that claim to be from your school, a game you play, or a website you use
• Pop-up messages that say you've won a prize or your computer is in danger
• Text messages asking you to click on a link or provide personal information
• Social media messages from people you don't know asking for personal details

Red flags to watch for:

• Urgent language like "Act now!" or "Your account will be deleted!"
• Requests for personal information like passwords or addresses
• Links that look suspicious or don't match the company they claim to be from
• Poor spelling and grammar in official-looking messages
• Offers that seem too good to be true like free expensive prizes

Inappropriate Content and Contacts

Inappropriate content includes anything that's not suitable for children your age. This might include:

• Violent or scary images that could give you nightmares
• Adult content that's designed for grown-ups only
• Hate speech or messages that are mean to certain groups of people
• Dangerous challenges or activities that could hurt you

Inappropriate contacts are people online who:

• Ask for personal information like your address, phone number, or school name
• Want to meet you in person without your parents knowing
• Ask you to keep secrets from your parents or teachers
• Make you feel uncomfortable or scared in any way
• Ask you to do things that you know are wrong or that make you feel bad

What to Do When You Encounter Threats

If you encounter any digital threat, here's what you should do:

1. Stop immediately - Don't click on anything else or try to "fix" it yourself
2. Don't panic - These threats are common, and adults know how to handle them
3. Tell a trusted adult right away - your parents, teachers, or school counselor
4. Don't try to handle it alone - Even adults sometimes need help with digital threats
5. Don't feel embarrassed - Everyone encounters these threats, and it's not your fault

Specific steps for different threats:

• Malware/Viruses: Turn off the device and tell an adult immediately
• Phishing: Don't enter any information and show the message to an adult
• Inappropriate Content: Close the browser/app and tell an adult what happened
• Suspicious Contacts: Don't respond and tell an adult about the conversation

Building Good Digital Habits

Prevention is always better than dealing with problems after they happen. Here are some good habits that can help keep you safe:

The "Ask First" Rule: When in doubt, ask a trusted adult before:

• Downloading new apps or games
• Clicking on links in emails or messages
• Sharing personal information
• Meeting someone you've only talked to online

The "Trust Your Feelings" Rule: If something online makes you feel:

• Scared or uncomfortable
• Confused or worried
• Like you need to keep it secret
• Like you might be in trouble

Trust those feelings and talk to an adult immediately.

Remember: You're Not Alone

Digital threats can seem scary, but remember that you're not facing them alone. Your parents, teachers, and other caring adults are there to help you navigate the digital world safely. They have experience dealing with these threats and can help you learn how to stay safe.

The more you practice good digital habits and communicate with trusted adults about your online experiences, the better you'll become at recognizing and avoiding digital threats. Think of digital safety as a skill you're developing, just like reading, math, or riding a bike - it takes practice, but you'll get better at it over time!

Have you ever noticed that your eyes feel tired, dry, or uncomfortable after using a computer, tablet, or phone for a long time? This happens because staring at screens can strain your eyes, just like how your legs might feel tired after running for a long time. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but powerful way to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable when using digital devices! 👀💻

What is the 20-20-20 Rule?

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple guideline that helps protect your eyes from the strain of looking at screens. Here's how it works:

• Every 20 minutes of screen time
• Look at an object 20 feet away
• For at least 20 seconds

Think of it as a mini-vacation for your eyes! Just like how you need to rest your body after physical exercise, your eyes need regular breaks from focusing on screens.

Why Do Our Eyes Need Breaks?

To understand why the 20-20-20 rule is so important, let's learn about how your eyes work. Your eyes have tiny muscles that control the shape of your lens, helping you focus on objects at different distances. When you look at a screen, these muscles have to work hard to keep everything in focus.

When you stare at screens for too long, several things happen:

Eye Strain: Your eye muscles get tired from working so hard to focus, just like how your arm muscles get tired from carrying a heavy backpack.

Reduced Blinking: When you're concentrating on a screen, you actually blink less than usual. Normal blinking is important because it spreads tears across your eyes to keep them moist and comfortable.

Blue Light Exposure: Digital screens emit blue light, which can be more tiring for your eyes than other types of light. While blue light isn't necessarily harmful, too much can contribute to eye fatigue.

Fixed Focus Distance: When you look at a screen, your eyes are always focusing at the same distance. In nature, our eyes are designed to look at objects at many different distances throughout the day.

How to Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

Step 1: Understanding 20 Minutes Set a timer on your device or ask a parent to help you remember. Some devices even have built-in reminders that can alert you every 20 minutes. You can also use:

• Kitchen timers 🕐
• Phone alarms (with parent permission)
• Computer reminder apps
• Asking adults to help you remember

Step 2: Finding Objects 20 Feet Away Twenty feet might seem like a long distance, but it's probably closer than you think! Here are some examples of things that are usually about 20 feet away:

• A tree in your backyard 🌳
• The other side of a large room
• A car parked across the street
• A building across the street
• The far end of a school hallway

A helpful trick: Anything that's far enough away that you can't read small text on it is probably about the right distance.

Step 3: Timing 20 Seconds Twenty seconds is longer than you might think! Here are some ways to count 20 seconds:

• Count slowly: "One Mississippi, two Mississippi..." up to 20
• Sing a short song: Like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
• Take deep breaths: About 3-4 slow, deep breaths
• Use a stopwatch: If you have one available

Making the 20-20-20 Rule a Habit

Creating good habits takes practice and consistency. Here are some strategies to help you remember the 20-20-20 rule:

Visual Reminders: Place sticky notes near your computer or device that say "20-20-20" to remind you to take breaks.

Buddy System: Ask a family member or friend to help remind you to take eye breaks. You can even take breaks together!

Combine with Other Activities: Use your 20-second break to:

• Stretch your arms and shoulders
• Take a few deep breaths
• Think about something pleasant
• Look out the window and appreciate nature

Make it Fun: Turn your eye breaks into a game:

• See how many different objects you can spot in the distance
• Try to identify colors and shapes far away
• Practice describing what you see to improve your observation skills

Additional Eye Health Tips

Proper Lighting: Make sure your screen isn't the only light source in the room. Having some background lighting reduces the contrast between your screen and surroundings, which is easier on your eyes.

Screen Position: Your screen should be about arm's length away (roughly 20-24 inches) and the top of the screen should be at or below your eye level. This reduces neck strain and helps your eyes focus more comfortably.

Blinking Exercises: Practice conscious blinking when you remember. Blink slowly and deliberately several times to help moisturize your eyes.

Clean Screens: Dust and smudges on your screen can make your eyes work harder to see clearly. Ask an adult to help you clean your screens regularly with appropriate cleaning materials.

When to Ask for Help

Tell an adult if you experience:

• Persistent headaches after using devices
• Blurry vision that doesn't go away after taking breaks
• Dry, itchy, or burning eyes regularly
• Difficulty focusing on objects at different distances
• Neck or shoulder pain from device use

Remember: Taking care of your eyes now will help ensure you can continue to enjoy technology and all the amazing things you can do with it throughout your life. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but powerful tool that can make a big difference in how you feel after using digital devices!

Have you ever felt tired, grumpy, or had trouble concentrating after spending a lot of time on computers, tablets, or phones? If so, you might have experienced digital fatigue - a real condition that affects many people who use technology regularly. The good news is that once you understand what digital fatigue is, you can learn simple strategies to prevent it and feel better! 😴💻

What is Digital Fatigue?

Digital fatigue is the tiredness and exhaustion you feel after using digital devices for extended periods. It's like how your body feels tired after running around all day, but instead of your muscles being tired, it's your brain and eyes that need a rest.

Common symptoms of digital fatigue include:

• Feeling tired even when you haven't done much physical activity
• Having trouble concentrating on tasks or schoolwork
• Feeling irritable or moody for no clear reason
• Getting headaches or feeling like your head is "heavy"
• Having trouble sleeping or falling asleep at night
• Feeling restless or unable to sit still
• Eye strain or discomfort

Understanding Blue Light and Its Effects

Blue light is a type of light that comes from digital screens, LED lights, and even the sun. While blue light from the sun is natural and helpful during the day, too much blue light from screens, especially in the evening, can affect your body in several ways.

How blue light affects you:

Sleep Disruption: Blue light can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep at night. Your brain produces a hormone called melatonin that helps you feel sleepy, but blue light can reduce melatonin production.

Eye Strain: Blue light can contribute to eye fatigue and discomfort, especially when combined with long periods of screen use.

Attention Problems: Too much blue light exposure, especially before bedtime, can make it harder to focus and pay attention the next day.

The Importance of Regular Breaks and Rest

Taking regular breaks from digital devices is one of the most important things you can do to prevent digital fatigue. Your brain and eyes need time to rest and recover, just like how your body needs rest after physical exercise.

Types of breaks that help:

Micro-breaks: These are very short breaks (1-2 minutes) that you take every 15-20 minutes. During a micro-break, you might:

• Stand up and stretch 🧘‍♀️
• Look out the window
• Take a few deep breaths
• Do some simple exercises like arm circles or neck rolls

Mini-breaks: These are longer breaks (5-10 minutes) that you take every hour. During a mini-break, you might:

• Go for a short walk
• Get a drink of water 💧
• Talk to a family member
• Do a completely different activity

Major breaks: These are extended breaks (30+ minutes) where you completely step away from technology. Major breaks might include:

• Playing outside 🌳
• Reading a physical book
• Drawing or crafting
• Spending time with friends or family

Strategies for Digital Detachment

Digital detachment means intentionally taking time away from all digital devices to give your mind and body a complete rest. Think of it as a "digital vacation" for your brain!

Daily Digital Detachment Ideas:

Create Tech-Free Zones: Work with your family to create spaces in your home where technology isn't allowed, such as:

• The dining room during meals
• Bedrooms after a certain time
• A special reading corner with comfortable pillows

Establish Tech-Free Times: Set specific times each day when the whole family puts away their devices:

• One hour before bedtime to help your brain prepare for sleep
• The first 30 minutes after waking up to start your day calmly
• During family meals to focus on conversation and connection

Engage in Physical Activities: Replace some screen time with activities that get your body moving:

• Ride a bike or go for a walk 🚴‍♀️
• Play a sport or active game
• Dance to your favorite music
• Help with household chores that involve movement

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Learn simple techniques to help your mind rest:

• Deep breathing exercises: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then relax different muscle groups
• Mindful observation: Spend a few minutes just noticing sounds, smells, or textures around you

Other Ways to Counteract Digital Fatigue

Blue Light Glasses: These special glasses have lenses that filter out some blue light from screens. While they're not magic solutions, some people find they help reduce eye strain and improve sleep when used properly.

Adjust Your Screen Settings: Many devices now have "night mode" or "blue light filters" that you can turn on, especially in the evening. These settings make your screen appear warmer (more yellow/orange) and less bright.

Improve Your Environment: Make your tech use more comfortable by:

• Ensuring good lighting in the room (not too bright or too dim)
• Maintaining good posture while using devices
• Keeping your screen at the right distance (about arm's length)
• Using a comfortable chair that supports your back

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can make digital fatigue worse and can cause headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Get Good Sleep: Aim for 9-11 hours of sleep each night (the recommended amount for kids your age). Good sleep is essential for recovering from digital fatigue and maintaining good health.

Creating a Balanced Digital Life

The goal isn't to avoid technology completely - technology is an amazing tool that can help you learn, create, and connect with others. Instead, the goal is to use technology in a balanced way that enhances your life without causing fatigue or health problems.

Tips for balanced tech use:

1. Set daily limits for recreational screen time and stick to them
2. Prioritize face-to-face interactions with family and friends
3. Make time for outdoor activities and physical exercise
4. Create a bedtime routine that doesn't involve screens
5. Pay attention to how you feel after using technology and adjust accordingly

Remember: You have the power to control how technology affects you. By being mindful of your tech use and implementing these strategies, you can enjoy all the benefits of digital devices while keeping your body and mind healthy and strong!

Digital communication has changed the way we connect with others in amazing ways. You can instantly message friends, share photos with family members who live far away, and even collaborate on school projects with classmates from home. But with this incredible power comes great responsibility to use digital communication in ways that are kind, respectful, and safe. 💬🌐

The Amazing Power of Digital Communication

Digital communication includes all the ways we connect with others using technology: text messages, emails, social media posts, video calls, online gaming chat, and more. This technology gives you superpowers that previous generations never had!

Positive aspects of digital communication:

Instant Connection: You can talk to people anywhere in the world in real-time, whether they're across the street or across the ocean. 🌍

Creative Expression: You can share your thoughts, artwork, music, and ideas with others through photos, videos, and messages.

Learning Opportunities: You can collaborate with classmates on projects, ask questions, and learn from people with different experiences and perspectives.

Maintaining Relationships: You can stay in touch with friends and family members even when you can't see them in person.

Building Communities: You can find people who share your interests, hobbies, and passions, creating connections based on common ground.

Understanding the Permanence of Digital Messages

One of the most important things to understand about digital communication is that digital messages can last forever. Unlike spoken words that disappear into the air, digital messages can be saved, screenshot, shared, and even recovered long after you think they're gone.

Why digital permanence matters:

Screenshots and Saving: Anyone can take a screenshot of your messages, posts, or photos and save them permanently, even if you delete the original.

Data Backups: Many digital platforms automatically save backup copies of messages and posts, even when you think you've deleted them.

Sharing Without Permission: Other people can share your messages or posts with others without asking you first.

Future Consequences: Messages you send today might be seen by teachers, future employers, or other important people in your life years from now.

The "Digital Footprint" Rule: Think of every digital message as leaving a permanent footprint - before you send something, ask yourself: "Would I be comfortable with my parents, teachers, or future self seeing this message?"

Digital Empathy and Kindness

Digital empathy means understanding and caring about how your online words and actions affect other people's feelings. It's sometimes harder to be empathetic online because you can't see the other person's face or body language, but it's just as important as being kind in person.

Practicing digital empathy:

The Golden Rule Online: Treat others online the way you want to be treated online. If you wouldn't say something to someone's face, don't say it in a digital message.

Consider the Person Behind the Screen: Remember that there's a real person with real feelings reading your messages. They might be having a bad day, dealing with problems you don't know about, or feeling sensitive about certain topics.

Think Before You Send: Before sending any message, especially when you're feeling upset or angry, take a moment to ask yourself:

• Is this kind?
• Is this true?
• Is this helpful?
• Would I want someone to say this to me?

Use Positive Language: Look for opportunities to:

• Compliment others genuinely
• Encourage friends who are struggling
• Share positive news and uplifting content
• Ask how others are doing and really listen to their answers

Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment

Cyberbullying is when someone uses digital technology to hurt, embarrass, threaten, or be mean to another person repeatedly. It's just as serious as bullying that happens in person, and it can actually be even more harmful because:

• It can happen 24/7, not just during school hours
• It can reach a much larger audience very quickly
• The harmful content can be saved and shared repeatedly
• The person being bullied may feel like they can't escape it

Common forms of cyberbullying:

Mean Messages: Sending hurtful, insulting, or threatening messages directly to someone.

Public Embarrassment: Posting embarrassing photos, videos, or information about someone for others to see.

Exclusion: Intentionally leaving someone out of online groups or activities to make them feel bad.

Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to hurt their reputation or relationships.

Spreading Rumors: Sharing false or private information about someone to damage their reputation.

The Serious Consequences of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has serious consequences for everyone involved:

For the person being bullied:

• Emotional pain: Feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and helplessness
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping
• Social problems: Difficulty trusting others, avoiding social situations
• Academic impact: Trouble concentrating in school, declining grades
• Mental health effects: Anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm

For the person doing the bullying:

• Disciplinary actions: Suspension from school, removal from sports teams or activities
• Legal consequences: In some cases, cyberbullying can lead to criminal charges
• Damage to reputation: Being known as a bully can affect relationships and opportunities
• Guilt and regret: Many people who bully others later feel terrible about their actions

For bystanders and witnesses:

• Guilt: Feeling bad for not helping when they could have
• Fear: Worrying that they might be the next target
• Stress: Feeling upset about the conflict and meanness they've witnessed

What to Do If You Experience or Witness Cyberbullying

If you're being cyberbullied:

1. Don't respond or retaliate - This often makes the situation worse
2. Save the evidence - Take screenshots of mean messages or posts
3. Block the person - Most platforms allow you to block users who are bothering you
4. Tell a trusted adult - Parents, teachers, school counselors, or other caring adults
5. Report it - Use the reporting features on websites and apps
6. Don't blame yourself - It's not your fault, and you deserve to be treated with respect

If you see someone else being cyberbullied:

1. Don't join in - Never participate in bullying behavior
2. Support the person - Send them a private message of support
3. Report it - Use reporting features or tell an adult
4. Speak up safely - If you feel safe doing so, you can tell the bully to stop
5. Be a friend - Include the person in positive activities and conversations

Building a Positive Digital Community

You have the power to help create a positive digital environment for everyone. Here's how:

Be an Upstander: An upstander is someone who speaks up for others and tries to stop bullying when they see it happening.

Spread Kindness: Look for opportunities to:

• Compliment others genuinely
• Share positive and uplifting content
• Celebrate others' achievements
• Include people who might feel left out

Think Before You Share: Before sharing any content, ask yourself:

• Could this hurt someone's feelings?
• Is this information private or embarrassing?
• Would I want this shared about me?

Create Positive Content: Use your digital communication skills to:

• Share helpful information
• Create content that makes others smile
• Support causes you care about
• Collaborate on positive projects

Remember: You Are Not Alone

If you're dealing with cyberbullying, digital drama, or any problems with online communication, remember that you don't have to handle it alone. There are many caring adults who want to help you, including:

• Your parents or guardians
• Teachers and school counselors
• Other trusted family members
• Mental health professionals
• Hotlines and support services

Digital communication is a powerful tool that can be used to build others up or tear them down. By choosing to use it responsibly and kindly, you're helping to create a better digital world for everyone.