In our latest Webwise Wednesdays series we will look at respect online.
Lots of us use the internet everyday to chat with family and friends and keep up to date with what’s happening in the wider world. It’s important to remember that how we treat people doesn’t change in the online world - being kind and showing respect to friends and others is just as important online as it is offline.
The internet is a big space and sometimes we might come across a message or comment online that upsets us. Over the next four weeks we will look at what how to be kind online and what to do if you experience cyberbullying.
But first! Let's take a look at our online world. When we use the internet it is often called going or being online, being online means being connected to the internet through the use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, smart tvs or watches. Your online world is where you go to use the internet to play, communicate and connect with others, be creative and can be entertained.
Key safety points
● The online world can make our offline world better by providing lots of uses such as the ability to communicate with friends/relatives far away, it can provide instant access to music/films/funny videos, you can learn new skills, research for homework, etc.
● There are lots of digital devices that we can use to connect to the internet in our everyday lives. For example, smartphones, smart tvs, online streaming platforms, connected toys, smart speakers, virtual assistants (e.g. iPhone’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa), video gaming consoles and smart watches to name a few.
● Always ask a parent/trusted adult first before you use a digital device to go online - check before you connect! Stay in sites that you know are safe and have visited with a parent/trusted adult first.
Activity: My Internet
This activity will give you an opportunity to reflect on why and how you use the internet and draw what you think is the best thing to do on the internet.
MySelfie and the Wider World
These lessons have been designed for 5th and 6th class pupils. More MySelfie and the Wider World lesson activities are available at https://www.webwise.ie/myselfie-wider-world/
About Webwise
Webwise is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, part of the Professional Development Service for Teachers, a Department of Education & Skills-funded support service. Webwise is co-funded by the Department of Education & Skills and co-financed by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility.
