DAY 3: EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
Length of Session: 40 – 60 minutes
Introductions
Take a few minutes to remind the class who you are, where you are from and why you are returning to their classroom. Let them know that this will be your last time visiting their classroom
- Acknowledge the traditional territory you are on.
- If applicable, invite the class to remember what the VIP class “agreement” or “guidelines” from Day 1 and 2 are to help ensure the classroom a safe space for VIP work. Review the previous list together on the board, or flip chart and add to it if necessary. Post the list so it is visible throughout the
presentation. - Let the class know what to expect and remind students where your contact information is and encourage students to reach out after class if that feels relevant for them for any reason whatsoever.
- Review briefly the topics discussed during the previous sessions.
Dialogue to Introduce the Presentation
“Today we are going to talk about online safety and the bystander effect. Similar to the topic of healthy relationships, these issues can relate to intimate relationships, social networks and friendships. This topic can be upsetting for those who have experienced bullying online or in person and for anyone who has had their trust violated online. As a reminder, please take care of yourselves and remember I will be available after class.”
ONLINE SAFETY
Activity – Watch & Discuss Videos
“The culture of online communication and social networking has changed rapidly in the last decade, and we are only just coming to understand some of the widespread impacts.”
It may work best to watch the first two videos and then discuss the pros and cons of socializing online as a group. Before watching the final two videos, consider pausing for a grounding exercise. After watching the final two videos, have another group discussion about online safety planning.
You can share with the class that these videos do not imply that we think social media and online communication is fundamentally bad, rather, the conversation is about developing tools to stay safe online.
- CommonSenseMedia. (September 10, 2018). Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences
This video reveals both the positive and negative of social impact - Futures Without Violence. (April 19, 2011). That’s Not Cool – PSA
This short video demonstrates how some online relationships can start out harmless and become unhealthy and abusive. - Online Grooming (Aug 9, 2016). B4UClick
A short film that demonstrates how an unsafe online relationship might begin - #BeinCrtl – A Short Film on Online Grooming
Two-minute film demonstrating the risk of sharing photos with people you don’t know and the importance of being safe online.
After watching the videos, split the class into small groups to discuss the pros and cons of social media and online communication, including their capacity to contribute to healthy relationships. Follow that discussion with a conversion on what the students do to stay safe online.
In their groups, invite students to create a list of the ways that they can stay safe in their relationships online. Consider asking:
- What does this look like in real life?
- How does the ease of online communication prevent or enhance our ability to develop healthy communication skills? Remind students about the listening exercise from Day 2.
The Bystander Effect
SoulPancake. (November 16, 2017). The Bystander Effect | The Science of Empathy
This video is about the science of empathy and some key factors that drive us to help other people. Although it is not directly related to relationships, it is interesting to see how students can make the connections between the scenarios presented in this video, and social settings they may be exposed to around school or otherwise.
After watching the video, break the students into small groups to spend some discussing the following questions:
- What is the roll of the bystander on social media and online forums?
- What steps can we take if we know someone is being bullied or harassed online?
- Have you ever witnessed someone at school being an active bystander?
Have you ever witnessed someone at school being an active bystander?
Closing
Thank them again for being a wonderful class and acknowledge that they have now spent a total of three to four hours discussing incredibly important topics for staying safe. Let them know that the topics covered may make them feel sensitive and uncomfortable, and that relationships are complex, making it important to be aware of the issues discussed as they grow and mature.
Remind them that abusive relationships are not uncommon and taking the time to self-reflect about what we want and need to be safe and happy in our relationships is important. Remind them to reach out to a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or if they have questions about anything that does not feel right in their
relationships.