Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say
Plusnet Plays on the Internet
Together with Plusnet and children’s author Konnie Huq, we have created a trilogy of plays about online safety.
This play addresses the theme of online reputation and is tailored for young people aged 14+. Use the script to help children learn about this issue and stay safe online.
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What’s in this pack?
In addition to the script of the play, you’ll find workshop activities that you can do with students to help them engage and understand the meaning and importance of the theme.
Play synopsis
A pair of lifelong friends both receive their first mobile phones together on their 15th birthday. With their lives fully documented online, how will their digital decisions affect their future, and will they use the internet for good?
Managing online reputation
The internet keeps a record of everyone’s online behaviour – the photos we upload, the comments other people make about us and the things we buy. This is our online reputation. It is important children understand how to manage their online reputation and the impact of having a negative online reputation.
Empower them to be themselves online
Encourage children not to hide behind anonymity online and be tempted to say or do things they shouldn’t. Use examples to highlight the power of being real online and developing their passions to create a positive digital footprint.
Encourage them to keep it positive online
Actions online can have real-world consequences – share real stories to help them understand the power of being positive online.
Highlight importance of choosing respect
Talk to them about respecting other people’s privacy and viewpoints even if you don’t agree with them.
Encourage them to do a search on their name
Make sure they are aware of the information that future employers and teachers may see and take a call to remove anything that is unpleasant or incorrect.
Make sure they know how to report abuse
Together get familiar with the reporting and blocking settings available on the platforms they use to screen out any abuse that breaks a platform’s community guidelines.
Make them aware they can recover from mistakes made online
Let them know that if they make a mistake by posting something they shouldn’t there is always a way to deal with it and give them support to make smarter choices in the future.