It's cool to be kind
Walking the walk
Goals
Reflect on the online behavior of adults.
Consider how the way adults act can model behavior for younger generations.
Let's talk
What adults can teach kids – and what kids can teach adults! Itʼs important to teach kindness. But itʼs just as important to model the thematics of kindness that we teach. There are plenty of examples of how bullying and harassment arenʼt just issues for kids. Just look at how adults sometimes treat each other online, in the news media, or in traffic jams.
Weʼve been talking about how important it is to be kind to your classmates and friends online and off. Have you ever seen adults act meanly toward each other, in your everyday life or in the media? Have you seen adults bullying each other? (Remember, we donʼt need to name names – letʼs just talk about the behaviors.)
Do you think your generation can build an Internet thatʼs kinder and more positive than the environments some adults have created for themselves? (A lot of adults think youʼll probably be better at this too.)
Do you think some kids start bullying or making unkind comments because they see adults around them or in the news doing these things? Yes to all the above? Please give examples. What would YOU do instead – how would you be a better role model for adults?
Takeaway
How you and your friends treat each other online will have a big impact on the digital world your generation builds – not to mention the offline world too
Vocabulary
Be the person your children turn to about all issues regarding the safe use of internet. Make it clear to them you are there for them and they can ask and tell you anything. Show an interest in their online activities. Talk to your child as an equal partner and set rules and boundaries. Draw up a schedule together with the following aspects: when, where, on which device and how long your children are allowed to go online. It is very important you apply these rules consistently yourself.
Many current apps and online games offer extra services – sometimes you need them to get to the next level in the game – which you can buy with real money. It is important your children know this and realise full well they are spending actual money.
In-app purchases on your device can be restricted as follows:
On your Android-device open the Google Play Store-app, tap Menu > Settings and enable Require authentication for purchases.
On your iPhone or iPad go to Settings > General > Restriction and disable In-app purchases.