Social media enhances education, communication, and learning when used safely and responsibly. The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) convened teachers and librarians, students, and parents and partnered with Common Sense Media to develop guidelines to support both staff and students in the effective use of social media. They are available for use without payment or special permission.
The social media guidelines for students younger than 12 address four areas:
- Digital image
- Post responsibly
- Considering consequences
- Cyberbullying
This document offers ideas for teaching each area from either Common Sense Media or the Citizenship in a Digital Age handbook. At the end of each section, you will find alignment to the Common Core Standards, the Information Fluency Continuum (IFC), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). There is also a guide for parents and an activity book for students with off line games to help introduce students younger than 12 to these concepts.
When using social media it is important that you notify parents (see sample notification) and review the terms of service. Many sites have specific consent requirements that need to be met for students 12 and younger. Your school librarian and/or tech liaison play an important role in ensuring staff and students are prepared for success in the digital age. Either might be a good person to reach out to for suggestions about the best sites and activities to support student learning using social media. They are probably familiar with the topics addressed in this guide and may also be able to provide professional development.
Educators can find all of the resources mentioned in this document posted at schools.nyc.gov/SocialMedia and may join the associated Facebook group:
Here are some ideas for introducing these guidelines at your school:
- Assign the social media guidelines as homework reading for your students. Print and hand out the accompanying activity book for each student to complete as an extra-credit assignment.
- Host a contest in your classroom and give a reward to students who complete all of the puzzles.
- Collaborate with the technology educator at your school to demonstrate learning activities using relevant social media sites for students during computer lab hours (if applicable).
- Provide copies of the guidelines and activity book to colleagues at your school to encourage school-wide implementation.
- Collaborate with colleagues to share the social media guidelines link in emails, texts, tweets or calls to families.
- Host an evening workshop or meeting for families at your school.
Digital Image
Students learn that to control their own digital image they must align their in-person reputation with their online image, be positive, be their best self, and know their audience. Students younger than 12 also learn that all information posted online leaves a record or digital footprint.
Ideas for the classroom
- Ask students why their image is important: How does the way others perceive them extend to the digital world?
- Ask your students if their parents have ever posted about them on social media. If so, how did it make them feel? Did the posts align with how they want to be perceived? Students may draw pictures to show how they want to be seen by their parents and how they see themselves. (Ex. Playing sports, being silly, reading, etc.)
- Have your students think of a favorite celebrity. Ask your students: What does that person do to convey a positive digital image? What have they done to convey a negative image? If they have a negative image, how could they fix it?
- Ask students to create and share one or more sentences to represent how they want to be seen online. When they look at each other’s social media presences (on Movie Star Planet, Edmodo, Club Penguin, etc.), is the image they want to convey coming through? If so, how do they know? If not, what can they change to improve the way they are perceived online?
- Have students use Tagxedo to list qualities they want in their digital footprint. Students can customize colors, fonts and print out.
- Have students create an online avatar using Voki.
- Provide students with a lesson on creating Avatars. You can use this lesson from high school teacher Susan Ettenheim.
Lessons from Common Sense Media
Follow the Digital Trail
Grades K-2
What information is OK to have in your digital footprint?
Digital Citizenship Pledge
Grades 3-5
How do you create a positive online community?
Trillion Dollar Footprint
Grade 6-8
What is a digital footprint and what does yours convey?
Which Me Should I Be?
Grades 6-8
What are the outcomes of presenting yourself in different ways online?
Lessons from Citizenship in the Digital Age
Respecting Yourself and Others
Grade 2
It’s important to keep personal information private.
Your Digital Footprint
Grade 5
Whatever information we post publicly about ourselves online can have lasting personal and academic consequences.
Additional Resources
“Digital Footprint Quiz” Digital Footprint Quiz. New York City Department of Education, n.d. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“Digital Citizenship Poster for Elementary Classrooms | Common Sense Media.” Digital Citizenship Poster for Elementary Classrooms | Common Sense Media. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“Digital Citizenship Pledge Poster for Elementary School Classrooms | Common Sense Media.” Digital Citizenship Pledge Poster for Elementary School Classrooms | Common Sense Media. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“Spam Scam Slam | OnGuard Online.” Spam Scam Slam | OnGuard Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
Standards Supported
Common Core:
Grade K: RL.1, RL.3, RL.4, RL.10, RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4, W.2, W.5, W.7, W.8, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.2, SL.3, SL.4, SL.6, L.6
Grade 1: RL.1, RL.3, RL.4, RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.5, W.7, W.8, L6
Grade 2: RL.1, RL.3, RI.4, RI.2.8, RI.10, RF.4a, W.2, W.5, W.7, W.8, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.3, SL.6, L.6
Grade 3: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 4: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 5: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 6: RI.2, RI.3, RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.2, SL.6, L.6
ISTE STANDARDS: 1a-d, 2a-d, 3a-d, 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a, 6b, 6d
IFC Standards: Compares new ideas with what was known at the beginning of the inquiry
Post Responsibly
Students learn to think before they post by:
- Discussing how to be respectful in online social situations
- Examining how they communicate offline vs. online
- Thinking about whether a parent or relative would be proud or concerned by the content of their posts
- Considering whether a post will be hurtful or helpful, embarrassing or promising, or could positively or negatively affect their reputation or that of another person.
Ideas for the classroom
- Review NYCDOE’s Digital Citizenship in the Digital Age Guide.
- Create a Responsible Use Policy with your class.
- Have your students create a superhero avatar online during the “Super Digital Citizen” lesson below, using Marvel online or Heroized.
- Whenever you use a social media tool with your class, review proper commenting and posting etiquette.
- Teachers collect pictures and updates of their student’s favorite celebrities on social media and create a matching activity where students categorize positive and negative posts.
- Have students create a class contract defining proper posting, questionable posting, and inappropriate posting. Hang the contract in the classroom, and have students sign it.
- If you’re not sure of something, or need advice and support, share in the NYC Schools Tech group on Facebook. The group is composed of many educators sharing ideas and building their learning networks.
Lessons from Common Sense Media
Going Places Safely
Grades K-2
How do you go places safely on the computer?
Rings of Responsibility
Grades 3-5
What kinds of responsibilities does a good digital citizen have?
Super Digital Citizen
Grades 3-5
How can people help others be good digital citizens?
The Reality of Digital Drama
Grades 6-8
Does the way we think about digital drama have anything to do with gender?
Lessons from Citizenship in the Digital Age
Digital Netiquette
Grade 4
Being a good citizen means acting responsibly and respectfully in the online environment.
Good and Bad Online Behaviors
Grade 4
It is important to have good manners and behavior in all circumstances of life.
Additional Resources
“Beyond Emily: Post-ing Etiquette.” Edutopia. August 2008. Web 21 Feb 2018.
“Kids and Socializing Online.” Consumer Information: Privacy & Identity. Federal Trade Commission. September 2011. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“Internet Word of the Day.” NetLingo The Internet Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“T.H.I.N.K. Poster - FREE!!” Teachers Pay Teachers. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
Standards Supported
Common Core:
Grade K: W.2, W.5, W.7, W.8, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.2, SL.3, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, L.6
Grade 1: W.5, W.7, W.8, L.6
Grade 2: W.2, W.7, W.8, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.6, L.6
Grade 3: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.3a, W.3b, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 4: RI.1, RL.3, RI.4, RL.10, RI.3, RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, RF.4a, W.3a, W.3b,W.4, W.6, W.9b, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 5: RL.3, RL.10, RI.1, RI.3, RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, RF.4a, W.3a, W.3b, W.4, W.6, W.9b, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c,SL.1d, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 6: RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, W.4, W.7, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.6, L.6
ISTE STANDARDS: 1a-d, 2a-b, 2d, 3a-d, 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a-b, 6d
IFC Standards: Restates ideas of others accurately and adds own perspective; recognizes the right to express own opinion in an appropriate manner, even when the opinion differs from the ideas of others
Consider the Consequences
Students learn to consider the consequences of their online actions and discover that what they do outside of school affects their lives at school, offline, and elsewhere. They also learn strategies for protecting themselves online such as not posting addresses and keeping passwords and other personal information private.
Ideas for the classroom
- Have students create a chart of online activities and potential consequences (both positive and negative) to be displayed in class. Create a handout of the chart for parents so they can also display it at home.
- With the class, create a poster with terms, definitions, images and examples describing potential benefits (e.g., helping classmates learn and supporting each other) and hazards (e.g., hurting someone’s feelings, disclosing personal information to an unintended audience or person) when using the internet.
- Demonstrate the strength of various passwords using a site like Passwordmeter. Note: the teacher should provide the password examples to prevent students from sharing their own. Avoid having students call out passwords.
- Have a guidance counselor speak to students about the importance of being positive online just as they would in person. Help students understand the permanence of what is online and how that can be helpful or hurtful. Try to elicit real examples from students to discuss.
- Review NYCDOE Citywide Behavioral Expectations (pertinent sections) with your students.
Lessons from Common Sense Media
Powerful Passwords
Grades K-2
How do you create a secure password?
Strong Passwords
Grades 3-5
How can a secure password help you protect your private information?
Privacy Rules
Grades 3-5
How do you know if a website protects your private information?
Scams and Schemes
Grades 6-8
What is identity theft, and how can protect yourself from it?
Safe Online Talk
Grades 6-8
How should you handle inappropriate online talk?
Lessons from Citizenship in the Digital Age
Cybersafety
Grade 2
Our relationship to another person (whether online or in real life) determines the type of information we share with him/her
Respecting the Digital Privacy of Others
Grades 3
Respecting privacy is essential to build trust between people and for personal security reasons.
Additional Resources
“The Password Meter.” Password Strength Checker. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
“Social Media PSA.” YouTube. YouTube, 3 June 2014. Web. 21 Feb 2018.
Standards Supported
Common Core:
Grade K: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.1a, RF.1b, RF.1c, RF.1d, RF.4, W.3, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.3, SL.6, L.6
Grade 1: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, RF.4b, W.3, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.3, SL.6, L.6
Grade 2: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.3, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.3, SL.6, L.6
Grade 3: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.3, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 4: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 5: RI.1, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 6: RI.1, RI.4, RI.7, RI.8,RI.10, W.4, W.6, W.7, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.2, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
ISTE STANDARDS: 1a-c, 2a, 2b, 2d, 3b, 4a, 4d, 5a, 5b, 6a
IFC Standards: Considers culturally divergent and opposing viewpoints on topics; Recognizes the effect of different perspectives and points of view on information; Uses prior knowledge and experiences to understand new facts and ideas.
Cyberbullying
Students learn the definition of cyberbullying and what to do when they see it happening.
Ideas for the classroom
- Teachers, families, and students should be familiar with the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning.
- Share age-appropriate, real stories from the media and discuss them with your students.
- Discuss how students can behave constructively when bullying occurs and who they can turn to for help if they know someone being bullied or are bullied, themselves. Discuss what the consequences would be based on the Citywide Behavioral Expectations.
- Know your school’s Respect for All liaison and guidance counselor. Find out how they can support you when cyberbullying situations happen in your classroom.
- Have students create posters to promote awareness of cyberbullying and tips for help.
- Have your principal contact your Borough Field Support Center to set up a Cyberbullying workshop.
Lessons from Common Sense Media
Screen Out the Mean
Grades K-2
What can you do when someone is mean to you online?
The Power of Words
Grades 3-5
What should you do when someone uses mean or scary language on the Internet?
What’s Cyberbullying?
Grades 3-5
What is cyberbullying, and how do you deal with it?
Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line
Grades 6-8
When does inappropriate online behavior cross the line into cyberbullying, and what can you do about it?
Lessons from Citizenship in the Digital Age
Cyberbullying
Grade 6
People use cyberbullying to gain power over others. A cyberbully gains power by forming a bonded group united against a common target
Cyberbully or Cybersaint
Grade 6
People bully others to exert power and influence over them.
Additional Resources
“Cyberbullying.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2018
“Activity Cards.” National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. n. d. Web. 21 Feb. 2018.
“BrainPOP - Cyberbullying - Movie.” BrainPOP. Web. 21 Feb. 2018.
Standards Supported
Common Core:
Grade K: RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RL.10, RI.1, RI.2, RI.3, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4, W.2, W.5, W.7, W.8, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.2, SL.3, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, L.6
Grade 1: RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RI.1, RI.2, RI.3, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.5, W.7, W.8, L.6
Grade 2: RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RI.4, RI.6, RI.10, W.2, W.7, W.8, RF.4a, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.2, SL.3, L.6
Grade 3: RI.1, RI.3, RI.4, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d. SL.3, SL.4, SL.6, L.3a, L.6
Grade 4: RL.3, RL.10, RI.1, RI.3, RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.9b, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.5, L.3a, L.6
Grade 5: RL.3, RL.10, RI.1, RI.3, RI.4, RI.7, RI.10, RF.4a, W.4, W.9b, W.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.4, SL.5, SL.6, L.6
Grade 6: RI.7, RI.10, SL.1a, SL.1b, SL.1c, SL.1d, SL.2, SL.6, L.6
ISTE STANDARDS: 2a, 2b, 5a, 5d
IFC Standards: Differentiates between important and unimportant details; Presents conclusions and supporting facts in a variety of ways; Demonstrates tolerance for different opinions