The internet connects us to a vast world of information and people. But just like the real world, it's important to communicate online with respect and kindness. Responsible communication means using your online voice to build each other up, not tear each other down.

The Power of Words: Online Impact

Think about it: words have power, even online. A careless comment or a heated exchange can have a lasting impact on someone. Cyberbullying can be hurtful and isolating, and it can even have serious consequences.

But the good news is, you have the power to choose! By using responsible communication, you can create a positive and inclusive online environment.

Shine Bright Online: Communication Tips

Here are some tips to be a responsible communicator online:

• Think before you post: Would you say it to someone's face? If not, it's probably best to keep it offline.
• Be respectful of others: Even if you disagree with someone, you can still treat them with kindness.
• Avoid name-calling, insults, and threats.
• Stand up for others: If you see someone being cyberbullied, don't be a bystander. Speak up or report it to a trusted adult.
• Promote positivity: Share uplifting content, spread kindness, and be the light you want to see online!

Spreading Positivity: Make a Difference

Responsible communication isn't just about avoiding negativity. It's also about using your online voice to make a positive impact. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Leave encouraging comments on people's posts.
• Stand up for what's right, even if it's not popular.
• Share informative and educational content.
• Use your online platforms to promote kindness and respect.

Remember, every interaction you have online is a chance to make a difference. By being a responsible communicator, you can create a more positive and inclusive digital world for everyone.

Be the Change: Resources

Looking for more ways to be a positive force online? Check out these resources:

• DoSomething.org: https://www.dosomething.org/us - Find ways to get involved in positive online campaigns and make a real difference.
• The Cybersmile Foundation: https://www.cybersmile.org/ - Promotes digital citizenship and offers support for victims of cyberbullying.
• Spread Kindness Online Challenge: This is a great initiative you can start yourself! Encourage your friends and followers to share positive messages online.

Together, we can make the internet a kinder and more respectful place. So go forth and spread positivity!

 

The internet is an amazing resource, but with so much information out there, it can be tough to know what's true and what's not. That's where critical thinking skills come in. Being a web detective means you can dig deeper, evaluate information, and spot misinformation online.

Here's your toolkit to become an online sleuth:

Question Everything (Like a good detective should!)

Don't just accept what you read at face value. Ask yourself:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert on the topic? Can you find information about their credentials?
• What is the source? Is it a reputable news website, a personal blog, or something else?
• What is the purpose of the information? Is it trying to inform, persuade, or sell you something?

Dig for Evidence

Look for facts, statistics, and evidence to support the information being presented. Can you find this information from other reliable sources?

Here are some tips for finding reliable sources:

• Look for .gov or .edu websites: These sites are usually from government agencies or educational institutions and are generally considered trustworthy.
• Check for peer-reviewed sources: These are articles written by experts and reviewed by other experts in the field before being published. They can be found in academic journals and databases.
• Beware of biased sources: Some websites or articles may have a strong point of view that they are trying to promote. Be critical of information that seems too one-sided.

Be a Fact-Checker

Don't trust everything you see on social media or in memes. There are many websites and tools that can help you check the facts.

Here are a few resources:

• Snopes: https://www.snopes.com/ - A website that fact-checks urban legends, internet rumors, and other forms of misinformation.
• FactCheck.org: https://www.factcheck.org/ - A non-partisan website that fact-checks political statements.
• Google Fact Check: [how to fact check ON Google [invalid URL removed]] - Use Google to search for information about a claim and see if it has been fact-checked by reputable sources.

Become a Master of Source Verification

The best way to avoid misinformation is to be skeptical and to verify information from multiple sources.

By developing your critical thinking skills, you can become a web detective who can navigate the online world with confidence!

Cyberbullying can happen anywhere online, but it doesn't have to define your experience. Here at Turner County Schools, we believe in creating a safe and positive digital space for everyone. This section empowers YOU to become an anti-bullying champion!

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is using technology to bully someone. It can include:

• Mean text messages or emails
• Spreading rumors or lies online
• Posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone without their permission
• Excluding someone from online groups or games

Cyberbullying can be hurtful and have serious consequences.

If you experience it,  remember:

• You are not alone! Many students face cyberbullying.
• It's not your fault! The bully is the one who's acting wrong.
• There are people who can help! Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counselor.

Here's what you can do if you're being cyberbullied:

• Don't respond! Responding to a bully can make things worse.
• Save the evidence! Keep screenshots or copies of the messages or posts.
• Report it! Tell a trusted adult and report the bullying to the website or platform where it happened. Most platforms have clear guidelines against cyberbullying.
• Block the bully! This will prevent them from contacting you again.

Be a Cyberbullying Bystander Hero!

Even if you're not the target, you can still make a difference:

• Be a friend! Show support to someone who's being cyberbullied.
• Don't share mean content! Refuse to spread rumors or join in on the bullying.
• Report what you see! If you see someone being cyberbullied, report it to an adult or the platform.

Together, we can create a positive online environmentHere are some additional resources you might find helpful:

StopBullying.gov: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
Cyberbullying Research Center: https://cyberbullying.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (or 1-800-273-8255)

Remember, Titans, you have the power to make the online world a kinder place. By standing up to cyberbullying and being a positive digital citizen, you're creating a safer and more inclusive space for everyone!

Ever walk through mud and leave tracks? In the digital world, that's kind of what happens whenever you go online. The places you visit, things you post, and information you share leave a trail – that's your digital footprint.

Think of it as your online reputation under construction!

This section is your guide to understanding what your digital footprint is and how to manage it like a pro.

What's in your footprint?

• The stuff you create: This includes your social media posts, online comments, and even the photos you upload.
• The stuff others create: Anything someone else posts about you online, like tagging you in a photo.
• The data trails you leave: Websites you visit can track your browsing history, and apps might collect information about how you use them.

Why should you care?

Your digital footprint can impact you in surprising ways. It can influence:

• College admissions: Colleges might check your social media to get a sense of who you are. How Colleges Look at Your Social Media: link to relevant article
• Job hunting: Potential employers often look at online profiles to learn more about candidates. Your Online Presence and Your Job Search: link to relevant article
• Your online safety: Oversharing personal information can make you vulnerable to scams or identity theft. Staying Safe Online: link to relevant article on online safety

Managing your footprint: Take control!  

Here are some tips to be a responsible digital citizen:

Remember, your digital footprint is always evolving. By being mindful of what you share online, you can build a positive reputation that reflects the best you!

Bonus Tip: Search your name online to see what pops up! This can help you get a sense of your digital footprint.

Finding the right resources can be tricky, so here are some places to get started:

• Common Sense Education: https://www.commonsense.org/education - Tons of resources on digital citizenship, including quizzes and lesson plans.
• ConnectSafely: https://connectsafely.org/ - Advice for teens and parents on staying safe online.
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: https://privacyrights.org/ - Information and resources to protect your privacy online.

By checking out these resources and following these tips, you can be a confident and responsible digital citizen!