How does your social media use affect how you feel? Social media plays a big role in most teens' lives, and research shows that it causes intense feelings -- both positive and negative. But not all media use is the same. There are many benefits that come with both active and passive media use. For better social and emotional well-being, encourage students to become creators of digital media, not just consumers. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Reflect on how their social media use makes them feel and how it compares to other teenagers'. Describe how active and passive social media use can lead to positive and negative feelings. Identify action steps to increase their positive feelings when using social media.

What kinds of information should I keep to myself when I use the internet? Staying safe online is a lot like staying safe in the real world. By helping a Digital Citizen sign up for a new app, students learn about the kinds of information they should keep to themselves when they use the internet -- just as they would with a stranger in person. Approximately 30 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Recognize the kind of information that is private. Understand that they should never give out private information online.

How does what I post online affect my identity? From selfies to social media, many of us create unique online identities for ourselves, and our students are no different. But do kids always understand how others might perceive what they post? Help your students think critically about the online identities they're creating. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Consider how posting selfies or other images will lead others to make assumptions about them. Reflect on the most important parts of their unique identity. Identify ways they can post online to best reflect who they are.

How should we react to breaking news? With mobile phone alerts, social media updates, and 24/7 news cycles, it's hard to escape the daily flood of breaking news. But do kids really understand what they're seeing when stories first break? Help students analyze breaking news with a critical eye for false or incomplete information, and discuss the downsides of our "always-on" news media culture. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Define breaking news, and understand why individuals and news outlets want to be first to report a story. Analyze breaking news alerts to identify clues of false or incomplete information. Reflect on the consequences of reacting right away to breaking news alerts.

How can you respond when cyberbullying occurs? When cyberbullying happens, everyone involved brings their own perspective to the situation. Help students learn about the importance of empathy, how to consider others' feelings, and how to be an upstander when cyberbullying occurs. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Consider the different perspectives of those involved in a cyberbullying incident. Identify ways to be an upstander or ally to someone being bullied. Problem-solve potential challenges to responding to cyberbullying.

How can we communicate with civility online? When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach students to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change. Approximately 55 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Define civil discourse and identify why it can be challenging on the internet. Analyze resources to identify the causes and effects of uncivil online discourse. Learn strategies for civil discourse and apply them to a scenario involving uncivil discourse.

How can we be good digital citizens? Students explore the amazing possibilities that come with using technology. They'll also learn from the Digital Citizens, who take a pledge to be safe, responsible, and respectful when traveling through the online world. Approximately 20 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Understand that being a good digital citizen means being safe and responsible online. Take a pledge to be a good digital citizen.

How can we act with empathy and positivity when we're online? We've all faced thorny situations where what we say or do could potentially harm or hurt someone. Being honest is important, but is there such a thing as being too honest? Sometimes, innocent -- but insensitive -- comments or actions can easily escalate to digital drama or even cyberbullying. Help students recognize and navigate these types of situations that happen online. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Identify examples of online behaviors that may hurt, embarrass, or offend others. Use the Feelings & Options thinking routine to analyze and respond to a digital dilemma.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of presenting yourself in different ways online? What does it actually mean to "be yourself" or to "be "real"? Those are deep thoughts for any middle schooler. For kids today, these questions matter online, too. Help your students explore why some people create different or alternate personas for themselves online and on social media. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Reflect on reasons why people might create fake social media accounts. Identify the possible results of posting from a fake social media account. Debate the benefits and drawbacks of posting from multiple accounts.

How are we all part of an online community? We are all connected on the internet! By learning the Rings of Responsibility, students explore how the internet connects us to people in our community and throughout the world. Help your students think critically about the different ways they connect with others, both in person and online. Approximately 30 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Compare and contrast how they are connected to different people and places, in person and on the internet Demonstrate an understanding of how people can connect on the internet

How can information you post online affect your future opportunities? Our digital footprints can have a powerful impact on our future. This can be a scary thought, given that what's in our digital footprint isn't always in our control. Teach students that digital footprints are an opportunity to showcase their best selves and craft a footprint that leads to future success. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Learn that they have a public presence online called a digital footprint. Recognize that any information they post online can help or hurt their future opportunities (college admission, employment, etc.). Create a vignette that shows how a positive digital footprint can help someone take advantage of an opportunity.

What is clickbait and how can you avoid it? The internet is full of catchy headlines and outrageous images, all to make us curious and get our attention. But kids don't usually realize: What you click on isn't always what you get. Show your students the best ways to avoid clickbait online. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Define "the curiosity gap." Explain how clickbait uses the curiosity gap to get your attention. Use strategies for avoiding clickbait.

How do digital citizens take responsibility for themselves, their communities, and their world? Teaching digital citizenship is all about helping kids think beyond themselves and recognize the ripple effects of their actions. Personal responsibility is important, but understanding their responsibilities to others can help kids unlock new ways to learn and connect with their communities -- and even change those communities for the better. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Examine both in-person and online responsibilities. Describe the Rings of Responsibility as a way to think about how our behavior affects ourselves and others. Identify examples of online responsibilities to others.