💻 TechnologyLevel 1Lesson 12
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Be Kind When Using Devices

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

What you will learn

  • 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. If you see this, tell a trusted adult.

Words to know

Kind

Friendly and caring in what you say or do

e.g. I write kind messages to my friends online.

Unkind

Mean or hurtful in what you say or do

e.g. Unkind messages can make people feel sad even through a screen.

Message

Words you send to someone using a device

e.g. I sent a happy birthday message to my friend.

Feelings

What people feel inside, like happy or sad

e.g. Real people with real feelings read what I post.

Respect

Treating others the way you want to be treated

e.g. Showing respect online means being kind in messages.

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?"

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← Lesson 11: Do Not Share Personal Information OnlineLesson 13: Take Regular Screen Breaks →