💻 TechnologyLevel 1Lesson 12
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Be Kind When Using Devices

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Tell the difference between kind and unkind behavior when using devices
  • 2Explain why being kind online matters
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Mini Lesson

You already know how to be kind at home and at the park — and the exact same rules apply when you use a device!

Real feelings behind every screen

  • When you send a message or post a drawing, a real person reads it.
  • Kind words make people feel happy and welcome.
  • Example: "Great job on your drawing!" — that makes someone smile, even through a screen.

What does kind look like online?

  • Sending encouraging messages and compliments.
  • Sharing a turn fairly when playing a game together.
  • Using polite words like "please" and "thank you" in messages.
  • Including everyone and not leaving people out.

What does unkind look like online?

  • Sending mean or hurtful messages — even as a "joke."
  • Leaving someone out on purpose in a group game or chat.
  • Calling someone a name or making fun of their work.
Kind message versus unkind messageTwo chat bubbles side by side. The left bubble in green says "Nice work!" with a smiling face below it. The right bubble in orange says "That's bad!" with a sad face below it. Labels underneath read Kind and Unkind.Nice work!KindThat's bad!Unkind
Two message bubbles — a green kind message makes a face smile, an orange unkind message makes a face sad.
The Golden Rule for using devicesA tablet at the center with a heart on screen. On the left is the word Online and on the right is the word In person, connected by arrows to show that the same kindness rule applies in both places. A banner at the bottom reads Treat others online the way you want to be treated.OnlineIn personTreat others online the wayyou want to be treated.
The Golden Rule applies both online and in person — treat others the way you want to be treated, whether on a screen or face to face.
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Ask yourself: "Would I say this to someone's face? Would it make them feel happy or sad?

Vocabulary
Kind
Friendly and caring in what you say or doe.g. I write kind messages to my friends online.
Unkind
Mean or hurtful in what you say or doe.g. Unkind messages can make people feel sad even through a screen.
Message
Words you send to someone using a devicee.g. I sent a happy birthday message to my friend.
Feelings
What people feel inside, like happy or sade.g. Real people with real feelings read what I post.
Respect
Treating others the way you want to be treatede.g. Showing respect online means being kind in messages.
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← Lesson 11: Do Not Share Personal Information OnlineLesson 13: Take Regular Screen Breaks →