There’s no escaping the fact that our habits in the real world have an effect on our health.
This is just as true for our online behaviour.
Young people need to be able to deal with the negative aspects of interacting online. They should learn about healthy online behaviours and how to identify what is unacceptable.
Our self-image and general perceptions are conditioned by what we do and view online.
Recognising the difference between the stereotypes we see online and the truth can be a challenge, especially for young people. These stereotypes can create a false sense of reality that can endanger health and wellbeing.
It’s difficult to distinguish truth from fiction online.
Learners should consider how easily digital platforms and tools can be used to manipulate and distort the truth, sometimes for unethical reasons.
Leaners need to know that algorithms can make this problem worse. They decide what content users see, based on what they have already viewed. This can land users in misleading echo chambers where they only see similar viewpoints.
Cyberstalking, harassment, and radicalisation are other online dangers. You can use media reports of cases to show the psychological and physical impact that they can have.
Encourage learners to ensure that their personal digital contributions are always positive. They should pause before they post, just like they should think before they speak.
Saying and doing harmful things online is as destructive and unacceptable as doing so face-to-face, and in some cases illegal.
In this short film for teachers Rhys ap William discusses how important it is for students to learn how to interact online.
He explains that what we do in life affects our health and wellbeing. It is the same with our life online - we need to be careful what we do and view. Often what we are presented with online is a stereotype and not representative of reality.
Teacher notes
Students need to be able to differentiate between the truth and fictions that they may come across online. Algorithms can decide what the student sees online which can then lead them into an echo chamber where they only see similar viewpoints.
Other online dangers include cyberstalking, harassment and radicalisation.
Students must be encouraged to post positive comments online. Just as we should think before we speak, we should pause before we post. Negative online content is unacceptable and sometimes illegal.
More from this series:
Digital rights, licensing and ownership. video
In this short film for teachers Jennifer Jones explains how important it is that students understand the rules of online copyright.
Online behaviour and cyberbullying. video
In this short film for teachers Rhys ap William explains how to help students recognise negative online behaviour.
Communication. video
In this short film for teachers Jennifer Jones discusses the need to encourage students to make the most of the digital communication tools available to them.
