adapted from nyc.gov

Create Your Digital Image

Your Reputation

Your reputation is based on what you say and do. Want others to see you as friendly? Smile and say “hi” to people. Want others to see you as smart? Raise your hand when you know the answer in class. Want to be seen as funny? Tell jokes.

This is true both in person and online. Online we call your reputation your “online image.” It’s harder to control your online image than the one you create in person because:

• More people can see what you say and do, as well as info posted about you, when it is online. Think about these people as your invisible audience. A posting that you and your friends would see as a joke might be seen in a different way by others. Plus, those friends can share it with their other friends—people who may not know you at all.
• Once something is online, it never really goes away. All of the information online about you, whether posted by you or others, makes up your online image. Later on, someone can read your post. They may be seeing it for the first time.
• How you act online should reflect who you are (or try to be) in person. Anything you post can make someone feel happy or hurt.

Be Your Best Self Online

Try to act online the way you want others to act toward you. For example, would you want to be yelled at in public? Of course not. So, instead of just posting an angry response if a friend’s post made you mad, tell them privately how you feel. You may want to ask them to delete it. An easy rule to remember is “praise publicly and criticize privately.” This is true both online and in person. Before you finish a post, ask yourself:

Will my post:

• Help someone learn something?
• Make someone feel good?
• Be liked by others?

How would I feel if:

• It was so popular that thousands of people watched it and it went viral?
• A friend, classmate, family member, or neighbor saw it?
• People were talking about it at school?

This is true whether you post as yourself, or a character in a game. Even if you use an avatar, you are still you. So write in a way that will make you feel proud, not sorry, when you look back on your past posts. By acting safely, correctly, and respectfully online, you are a good digital citizen.

Be Positive

Being smart about how you act online can help you make more friends and connect with others who like the things you like. Here are some examples of how you can use social media in positive ways:

• Comment with useful info that will help others learn something new. One example is to share a link to a how-to video about the topic you are commenting on.
• Ask for help with homework.
• Share how you’re learning something you’re proud of, so others can learn from you. For example: you have recently learned how to identify edible plants in your local park and you make a video so your friends can also learn how.
• Find and connect with people who are successful in any area of interest to you.
• Work together with classmates to complete a group assignment.

Know Who You’re Talking To

When you post, you may be sharing your thoughts, pictures, comments, and info about yourself with anybody. Even when you’re just posting to friends, it’s possible that a teacher, grandmother, or even someone in another country will see your post. Because you can’t really control who sees what, make sure your posts add positively to your online image.

Host Responsibly – Be Mindful of Your Audience

Communicating Online is Different

You’re used to talking with people you meet in school or in the community, but talking on social media is sometimes different. When you say something helpful or hurtful in person, you can see how your friends feel by looking at their faces. If they misunderstand you, you can explain or apologize right away. When you’re helpful, your friend’s smile lets you know she understands what you mean. That makes you feel good.

You can’t see your friends’ reactions online the same way you can in person. You might not even know how someone felt until after he replies, maybe in anger. Others may even have joined in. Now, you don’t just have your friend to apologize to, you have your whole class. Or club. Or grade. Or school.

On the other hand, you may have been the one who gave someone kind words. Those words may have helped her feel smart enough to make a movie on the MovieStarPlanet social game platform that brought her fame with her friends online and at school.

Talk with Your Family

Here are some questions to ask yourself and your family:

• What will help everyone in the family keep the image they want?
• What info does your family want to keep private?
• What makes sense to share with friends or small groups?
• What is fine to post publicly?
• When should you get permission from one another before posting (pictures, stories, etc.)?

If your mom posts a picture of you that you didn’t want shared, tell her in person how the picture does not fit with the online image you want. Then help her find a picture that you think represents you well. Together you can find a picture that shows your best self.

Follow School Rules

The rules you have for your school and classroom are rules for online, too. Your teachers will probably set rules for tags, comments, and posts. Usually, you shouldn’t tag posts, pictures, or videos unless your teacher and the person you are tagging give you permission. Always respect your schoolmates and be thoughtful about how you behave toward them online.

Keep in mind that the adults at your school are responsible for your safety—and the safety of all the students. That’s why your teachers have the right to follow what you say and do online if it affects what happens at school. This is true whether you are using your own computer (or phone, or tablet) or a device that belongs to your school.

Consider the Consequences of Your Online Actions

Be Safe

Be sure to follow class, school, and family rules about sites that you can and cannot visit. Going to an online place that you’re not supposed to visit can be just as dangerous as going someplace in real life that your teacher or parents have said is not safe.

Know Your Privacy Settings

Every social media site has privacy settings. Teachers and parents can help you set up your accounts in a safe way. Do your best to have your settings let classmates, friends, and others you choose see your posts, but no one else.

But no matter how you set your privacy settings, there is no such thing as total privacy online. People can take screenshots of your posts and comments, download or make copies of your pictures. Once they do that, they can share your content among their friends, who may not be your friends. To be safe, never share information such as your address, phone numbers, and how you get to and from school.

Keep Passwords Private

Just like you wouldn’t give someone the key to your diary, you should never share passwords with friends. What happens in your online spaces is a part of your online image. If you share your passwords, you are giving others the ability to pretend they are you online. That can lead to problems not just for you, but for your family, as well.

Worried about forgetting your passwords? For accounts you use at school, your teachers probably have a copy of your password or can help you reset it. At home, parents can help you make sure you don’t lose or forget your private account info.

Take Threats of Cyberbullying Seriously

Cyberbullying Takes Many Forms

Bullying doesn’t only happen in person or at school. It can also happen online, and then it’s called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is saying something online that is mean or hurtful on purpose, for example:

• Sending mean messages or harassing someone
• Posting comments that are mean, not true, or create rumors
• Sharing an embarrassing photo of a classmate

Treat Others as You Want to be Treated

When you are online, treat others the way you would want them to treat you, just as you would in person. Before you post, consider whether you are making a harmless joke or are doing something that could be hurtful. Think about how you would feel if someone made the same joke about you.

If You See Something, Say Something

If you, or someone you know, are being bullied online or in person, it is best not to respond or react online. Instead, tell your teacher and your parent(s) so they can help you decide what to do next. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your teacher, you can write an email to Tech@schools.nyc.gov that describes what’s going on.

adapted from nyc.gov

Create Your Digital Image

Align Your Image with Your Goals

Your digital footprint is the impression you leave online. Any time you’ve commented on someone’s tweet, post, or picture you leave an impression behind. This happens In Real Life too. But online comments and images leave a permanent record. After all, IRL people may forget the mean thing you said or did—especially if you’ve apologized to them. But your online actions remain long after you post an apology or click “delete.” What’s more, there’s no guarantee that people will even find—or read— your apology within a given thread. Instead, they’ll judge you by the first comment they see.

First Impressions

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful about what you share online and consider how it would look to others—both those who know you and those who don’t. After all, many colleges and employers search social media before accepting students and hiring workers. And what they see about you in an online search may be the first—and only—impression they get of you.

How Tos

You can use social media to show your interests in positive, and academic, ways. You can:

• Comment on articles and posts in a smart way
• Ask others for more information about their post
• Tweet to experts about current events
• Highlight your accomplishments—share what was involved on that class project, concert, or community activity that you did.

Stand Behind Your Words

You should always take responsibility for what you post on all social media. While you may think that using a fake name prevents posts from becoming part of your footprint, there are still ways to link that info to the person who posted it (for example, through an internet address or other specific information). Be your best self online. This means posting truthful information. It also means being responsible about what you say.

Families Can Be Helpful Partners

Did you know that your parents are responsible for what you do online? That’s why it’s important to share with them what you’re doing—and why. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Share your digital footprint with your family and see what they think
• Discuss with your family what information is fine to share and what should remain private
• Think about your family’s rules
Of course, it’s a two-way street—ask to see what your family wants to post about you your siblings, and your friends. Come up with a set of rules everyone can live with.

Keep in mind that because technology is always changing, you may know more about social media than your parents. You may want to show your family members what you’ve learned about creating a digital image.



Post Responsibly – Be Mindful of Your Audience

Social Media Use for School is an Extension of Your Classroom

When you use social media for school activities, such as for an assignment, treat the work as an extension of your school work. Remember in most cases, the same rules apply online as they do in school. For example, if you would not make fun of a classmate in English class, do not do it online either. For school-related social media, do not tag student posts, photos, or videos unless your teacher and the student gives you permission. This will help make sure people it is not visible to people who should not see it.



Put Your Best Foot Forward

People of all ages sometimes act differently on social media than they would “face-to-face.” This is because they may think that since they are not talking in person they won’t be blamed for their actions. This is not the case. Because of the nature of the digital world, you should be as responsible, if not more, when online. Since you never know who will be reading what you share online, always assume that anyone could. Ask yourself if you would be okay with a parent or relative seeing it. If not, think about a better way to say what you want to say.



Pause Before You Post

Once a comment is posted online, you cannot later say, “Never mind.” It may seem funny or harmless when you post it, but it could hurt someone’s feelings. Take time to think about whether a post will be hurtful or embarrassing or whether it could affect yours or someone’s future. For example, if you post a mean or nasty comment online because you were mad, this may end up making you a bad choice in the mind of a future employer or school. Online posts can never be completely deleted. This means it is important to make sure that each post is something you want to live with.



Consider the Consequences

Personal Use of Social Media May Have an Effect at School

Most of the time it is easy to tell whether a social media use is school-related or personal. Other times it’s hard to tell the difference. Sometimes, personal social media use, even afterschool, may result in trouble at school. When this happens, the school may need to get involved. This could include disciplinary action such as a parent conference or suspension. It is important to remember that hurtful actions outlined in the Discipline Code also apply to online communication. To be safe, be in control of what you do online, even if it is during personal time. For example, if your classmate is tagging you in rude Tweets, do not answer in the same way. Instead, stay positive, do what you know is right. Consider blocking or reporting this person to an adult.



Protect Yourself

There are many ways to protect yourself online. For example, only accept friend requests from people you know. You may interact online with people you have never met in person. If you do, use caution/ Find out as much as you can about the person. Ask a parent for permission if you plan to meet one of these people face to face. Also, while it is important to be yourself online, remember not to post too many personal details (such as where you live or your social security number). Sharing that information can be dangerous. Do not share passwords with friends. Also, be sure not to let computers save passwords. Always log off when you have finished using a site. Do not just click out of the browser.



Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are automatically set by social media providers. This is where you decide who can see your posts, how information is linked, and what data is available to the public. Each social media platform has different privacy setting defaults. These defaults may even change those settings without telling you. You should decide whether to change the default settings to make your posts more or less private. For example, if you are creating a personal site to promote a social or political issue, you most likely want to make that site open to everyone. However, if you want to discuss a project you are doing in class, it may be better to limit access only to a small group of classmates.



Take Threats of Cyberbullying Seriously

Cyberbullying Takes Many Forms

Cyberbullying is the use of online technology to hurt or harm other people. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.



Know What to Do

If you are being cyberbullied or know about someone else being cyberbullied, report the behavior and get help. You can report it to a trusted adult such as a family member or school staff. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.

It is important not to answer or forward any harassing or bullying content. “De-friend,” block, or remove people who send inappropriate content. It may also be a good idea to save harassing messages. This proof could be important to show an adult if the behavior continues. If the behavior is school-related, print out the messages. Provide them to the school when you report the incident.

adapted from nyc.gov

Create Your Digital Image

Align Your Image with Your Goals

Your digital footprint is the impression you leave online. Any time you’ve commented on someone’s tweet, post, or picture you leave an impression behind. This happens In Real Life too. But online comments and images leave a permanent record. After all, IRL people may forget the mean thing you said or did—especially if you’ve apologized to them. But your online actions remain long after you post an apology or click “delete.” What’s more, there’s no guarantee that people will even find—or read— your apology within a given thread. Instead, they’ll judge you by the first comment they see.

First Impressions

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful about what you share online and consider how it would look to others—both those who know you and those who don’t. After all, many colleges and employers search social media before accepting students and hiring workers. And what they see about you in an online search may be the first—and only—impression they get of you.

How Tos

You can use social media to show your interests in positive, and academic, ways. You can:

• Comment on articles and posts in a smart way
• Ask others for more information about their post
• Tweet to experts about current events
• Highlight your accomplishments—share what was involved on that class project, concert, or community activity that you did.

Stand Behind Your Words

You should always take responsibility for what you post on all social media. While you may think that using a fake name prevents posts from becoming part of your footprint, there are still ways to link that info to the person who posted it (for example, through an internet address or other specific information). Be your best self online. This means posting truthful information. It also means being responsible about what you say.

Families Can Be Helpful Partners

Did you know that your parents are responsible for what you do online? That’s why it’s important to share with them what you’re doing—and why. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Share your digital footprint with your family and see what they think
• Discuss with your family what information is fine to share and what should remain private
• Think about your family’s rules
Of course, it’s a two-way street—ask to see what your family wants to post about you your siblings, and your friends. Come up with a set of rules everyone can live with.

Keep in mind that because technology is always changing, you may know more about social media than your parents. You may want to show your family members what you’ve learned about creating a digital image.



Post Responsibly – Be Mindful of Your Audience

Social Media Use for School is an Extension of Your Classroom

When you use social media for school activities, such as for an assignment, treat the work as an extension of your school work. Remember in most cases, the same rules apply online as they do in school. For example, if you would not make fun of a classmate in English class, do not do it online either. For school-related social media, do not tag student posts, photos, or videos unless your teacher and the student gives you permission. This will help make sure people it is not visible to people who should not see it.



Put Your Best Foot Forward

People of all ages sometimes act differently on social media than they would “face-to-face.” This is because they may think that since they are not talking in person they won’t be blamed for their actions. This is not the case. Because of the nature of the digital world, you should be as responsible, if not more, when online. Since you never know who will be reading what you share online, always assume that anyone could. Ask yourself if you would be okay with a parent or relative seeing it. If not, think about a better way to say what you want to say.



Pause Before You Post

Once a comment is posted online, you cannot later say, “Never mind.” It may seem funny or harmless when you post it, but it could hurt someone’s feelings. Take time to think about whether a post will be hurtful or embarrassing or whether it could affect yours or someone’s future. For example, if you post a mean or nasty comment online because you were mad, this may end up making you a bad choice in the mind of a future employer or school. Online posts can never be completely deleted. This means it is important to make sure that each post is something you want to live with.



Consider the Consequences

Personal Use of Social Media May Have an Effect at School

Most of the time it is easy to tell whether a social media use is school-related or personal. Other times it’s hard to tell the difference. Sometimes, personal social media use, even afterschool, may result in trouble at school. When this happens, the school may need to get involved. This could include disciplinary action such as a parent conference or suspension. It is important to remember that hurtful actions outlined in the Discipline Code also apply to online communication. To be safe, be in control of what you do online, even if it is during personal time. For example, if your classmate is tagging you in rude Tweets, do not answer in the same way. Instead, stay positive, do what you know is right. Consider blocking or reporting this person to an adult.



Protect Yourself

There are many ways to protect yourself online. For example, only accept friend requests from people you know. You may interact online with people you have never met in person. If you do, use caution/ Find out as much as you can about the person. Ask a parent for permission if you plan to meet one of these people face to face. Also, while it is important to be yourself online, remember not to post too many personal details (such as where you live or your social security number). Sharing that information can be dangerous. Do not share passwords with friends. Also, be sure not to let computers save passwords. Always log off when you have finished using a site. Do not just click out of the browser.



Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are automatically set by social media providers. This is where you decide who can see your posts, how information is linked, and what data is available to the public. Each social media platform has different privacy setting defaults. These defaults may even change those settings without telling you. You should decide whether to change the default settings to make your posts more or less private. For example, if you are creating a personal site to promote a social or political issue, you most likely want to make that site open to everyone. However, if you want to discuss a project you are doing in class, it may be better to limit access only to a small group of classmates.



Take Threats of Cyberbullying Seriously

Cyberbullying Takes Many Forms

Cyberbullying is the use of online technology to hurt or harm other people. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.



Know What to Do

If you are being cyberbullied or know about someone else being cyberbullied, report the behavior and get help. You can report it to a trusted adult such as a family member or school staff. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.

It is important not to answer or forward any harassing or bullying content. “De-friend,” block, or remove people who send inappropriate content. It may also be a good idea to save harassing messages. This proof could be important to show an adult if the behavior continues. If the behavior is school-related, print out the messages. Provide them to the school when you report the incident.

adapted from nyc.gov

Create Your Digital Image

Align Your Image with Your Goals

Your digital footprint is the impression you leave online. Any time you’ve commented on someone’s tweet, post, or picture you leave an impression behind. This happens In Real Life too. But online comments and images leave a permanent record. After all, IRL people may forget the mean thing you said or did—especially if you’ve apologized to them. But your online actions remain long after you post an apology or click “delete.” What’s more, there’s no guarantee that people will even find—or read— your apology within a given thread. Instead, they’ll judge you by the first comment they see.

First Impressions

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful about what you share online and consider how it would look to others—both those who know you and those who don’t. After all, many colleges and employers search social media before accepting students and hiring workers. And what they see about you in an online search may be the first—and only—impression they get of you.

How Tos

You can use social media to show your interests in positive, and academic, ways. You can:

• Comment on articles and posts in a smart way
• Ask others for more information about their post
• Tweet to experts about current events
• Highlight your accomplishments—share what was involved on that class project, concert, or community activity that you did.

Stand Behind Your Words

You should always take responsibility for what you post on all social media. While you may think that using a fake name prevents posts from becoming part of your footprint, there are still ways to link that info to the person who posted it (for example, through an internet address or other specific information). Be your best self online. This means posting truthful information. It also means being responsible about what you say.

Families Can Be Helpful Partners

Did you know that your parents are responsible for what you do online? That’s why it’s important to share with them what you’re doing—and why. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Share your digital footprint with your family and see what they think
• Discuss with your family what information is fine to share and what should remain private
• Think about your family’s rules
Of course, it’s a two-way street—ask to see what your family wants to post about you your siblings, and your friends. Come up with a set of rules everyone can live with.

Keep in mind that because technology is always changing, you may know more about social media than your parents. You may want to show your family members what you’ve learned about creating a digital image.



Post Responsibly – Be Mindful of Your Audience

Social Media Use for School is an Extension of Your Classroom

When you use social media for school activities, such as for an assignment, treat the work as an extension of your school work. Remember in most cases, the same rules apply online as they do in school. For example, if you would not make fun of a classmate in English class, do not do it online either. For school-related social media, do not tag student posts, photos, or videos unless your teacher and the student gives you permission. This will help make sure people it is not visible to people who should not see it.



Put Your Best Foot Forward

People of all ages sometimes act differently on social media than they would “face-to-face.” This is because they may think that since they are not talking in person they won’t be blamed for their actions. This is not the case. Because of the nature of the digital world, you should be as responsible, if not more, when online. Since you never know who will be reading what you share online, always assume that anyone could. Ask yourself if you would be okay with a parent or relative seeing it. If not, think about a better way to say what you want to say.



Pause Before You Post

Once a comment is posted online, you cannot later say, “Never mind.” It may seem funny or harmless when you post it, but it could hurt someone’s feelings. Take time to think about whether a post will be hurtful or embarrassing or whether it could affect yours or someone’s future. For example, if you post a mean or nasty comment online because you were mad, this may end up making you a bad choice in the mind of a future employer or school. Online posts can never be completely deleted. This means it is important to make sure that each post is something you want to live with.



Consider the Consequences

Personal Use of Social Media May Have an Effect at School

Most of the time it is easy to tell whether a social media use is school-related or personal. Other times it’s hard to tell the difference. Sometimes, personal social media use, even afterschool, may result in trouble at school. When this happens, the school may need to get involved. This could include disciplinary action such as a parent conference or suspension. It is important to remember that hurtful actions outlined in the Discipline Code also apply to online communication. To be safe, be in control of what you do online, even if it is during personal time. For example, if your classmate is tagging you in rude Tweets, do not answer in the same way. Instead, stay positive, do what you know is right. Consider blocking or reporting this person to an adult.



Protect Yourself

There are many ways to protect yourself online. For example, only accept friend requests from people you know. You may interact online with people you have never met in person. If you do, use caution/ Find out as much as you can about the person. Ask a parent for permission if you plan to meet one of these people face to face. Also, while it is important to be yourself online, remember not to post too many personal details (such as where you live or your social security number). Sharing that information can be dangerous. Do not share passwords with friends. Also, be sure not to let computers save passwords. Always log off when you have finished using a site. Do not just click out of the browser.



Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are automatically set by social media providers. This is where you decide who can see your posts, how information is linked, and what data is available to the public. Each social media platform has different privacy setting defaults. These defaults may even change those settings without telling you. You should decide whether to change the default settings to make your posts more or less private. For example, if you are creating a personal site to promote a social or political issue, you most likely want to make that site open to everyone. However, if you want to discuss a project you are doing in class, it may be better to limit access only to a small group of classmates.



Take Threats of Cyberbullying Seriously

Cyberbullying Takes Many Forms

Cyberbullying is the use of online technology to hurt or harm other people. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.



Know What to Do

If you are being cyberbullied or know about someone else being cyberbullied, report the behavior and get help. You can report it to a trusted adult such as a family member or school staff. Sometimes, it may be difficult to draw the line. It can be confusing to tell the difference between a harmless joke and one which goes too far and becomes hurtful.

It is important not to answer or forward any harassing or bullying content. “De-friend,” block, or remove people who send inappropriate content. It may also be a good idea to save harassing messages. This proof could be important to show an adult if the behavior continues. If the behavior is school-related, print out the messages. Provide them to the school when you report the incident.