Focus in February: cell phones and internet
As a school, use Safer Internet Day for your own projects relating to digital media. You can talk about cell phones, YouTube and other digital topics even in kindergarten and elementary school. You will see that children love to talk about their digital experiences. You can also learn a lot and find out about your students.
To celebrate Safer Internet Day, we have declared the entire month of February Safer Internet Month. In this way, we also give schools the opportunity to deal with responsible internet and cell phone use without time pressure.
Talk about games, social networks and popular apps
Ask what your students do on their cell phones, tablets and consoles and have them explain it to you. Get into conversation and work together to develop rules for safe handling, risks and tips.
- Elementary school:
In elementary school, it’s a good idea to talk about the children’s favorite games and apps. Even if the children do not yet have their own devices, you can assume that elementary school students already use many apps, devices and games. A project could involve students introducing their favorite game, app, or activity on digital devices and explaining why they like them. You can then discuss together what to pay attention to when playing and using apps. A poster or picture on the topic can reinforce what you have learned. You will find suitable exercises in the Safe Internet teaching material in primary schools (for example exercise 7). This is also a good place to start Video series online zoo. - Secondary level I:
In secondary school, games and apps can be viewed critically. Teachers can start a project in which students work in groups to examine popular apps such as TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat. They should answer the following questions: What data does the app collect? How does the algorithm work? Why is it so hard to quit? How can I check my screen time? What are the risks? The students can present the results in the form of presentations, videos (Reels or TikToks) or podcasts. You can also use our series “What is…?”, which explains what the individual social networks and gaming platforms are about and provides assistance. - Secondary level II:
In secondary school level II, the topic can be further deepened by having students discuss critical questions: How do social networks influence our behavior? What role do algorithms play? How can you use the platforms consciously? How can you teach younger children how to use games, apps, etc. responsibly? A possible project could be a podcast, a discussion group, information material or a quiz that critically addresses these questions. Here you can also use our series “What is…?”, which explains what the individual social networks and gaming platforms are about and provides assistance.
Critically question influencers, beauty filters and advertising
One possibility would be to deal with the content that children and young people see in digital media. How do influencers make money? What ideal of beauty does the media convey? How do you recognize advertising and is everything on the Internet true?
- Elementary school:
For example, discuss the main characters in games or series with the children. What role models and ideals of beauty are conveyed there? Another focus can be advertising. Where is there advertising everywhere? What does advertising do and how do I recognize it? You will find suitable exercises in the Safer Internet teaching material in primary schools (Exercises 9 and 10). - Secondary level I:
In secondary school, a project could consist of analyzing popular influencers and their content together with the students. Which products are being advertised? How do you recognize advertising? And what ideals of beauty are conveyed in social networks? The students could make their own short videos in which they explain how advertising works on social networks and how you can recognize it. The effects of beauty filters and unrealistic body images on self-image could also be discussed. You will find suitable exercises in the self-presentation teaching material for girls and boys on the Internet. - Secondary level II:
In secondary school, students could deal with the influence of influencers. One question could be, for example, how influencers make money and what responsibilities they have towards their followers. Students could also analyze the labeling requirement for advertising and look for examples of how TikTokers, YouTubers and creators make advertising and label it. You can find information about this here.
No to hate and harassment
The language on the Internet is often disinhibited and hateful. As soon as children are online, they are at risk of harassment, unpleasant questions or cyberbullying. What dangers are there? How do I behave correctly? And how can you defend yourself against unpleasant contacts?
- Elementary school:
Even in elementary school, children should learn to recognize unpleasant and dangerous situations and to show boundaries. In particular, address the topic of cybergrooming in a child-friendly way. Explain that it is easy to pretend to be someone else online and what children can do if they have a strange feeling about someone. Practice saying “no” and possible responses. Another important topic is the handling of personal data and information. Which data should I not put on the Internet? What is nobody’s business and how do I deal with passwords? You will find suitable exercises in the Safer Internet teaching material in primary schools (Exercises 3 and 12). - Secondary level I:
Discuss cyberbullying in secondary school. Explore different forms of bullying, harassment and hate online with the children. What have you already observed yourself? What is wrong and even punishable? What could be done about it? Discuss the roles of perpetrators, those affected, observers and helpers. Discuss questions such as: How does (cyber)bullying happen? How do those affected feel? What could they do? The results can be prepared in the form of posters, school blogs, podcasts or videos. You will find suitable exercises in the Active Against Cyberbullying teaching material. (for example exercise 2, 4 or 10) - Secondary level II:
Older students can deal with the causes and effects of online hate, cyberbullying and harassment. A project could involve the students researching cases and working on them. They can analyze what laws there are and what role platforms play. You could also develop your own campaign against hate and cyberbullying to be shared via social media. You could create videos, texts or infographics that educate about online hate, cyberbullying or harassment and encourage people to treat each other with respect. You will find suitable exercises in the Active Against Cyberbullying teaching material. (for example exercise 3, 5 or 9)
