In this lesson we will explore how posting rumours can ruin digital reputations very quickly. This will explore the three areas of digital reputation, cyber safety and sexting.
Teacher Notes: Lesson Preparation: Watch the video prior to the lesson.
12.1: Introduce the theme of digital reputation and show the class the "Tagged" video (18.19 minutes). Lesson 12 will feed directly into Tagged lesson 13.
12.2: Define Sexting, Digital reputation and cyber bullying. Please remind students we will continue discussing these issues utilising the Tagged video next lesson
12.1: Tagged video
When a group of high-school friends post a rumour about a rival it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action ensue—will these friends avoid being tagged forever?
Watch the video with your class. This video will be used for the next Tagged lesson.
12.2: Definitions
The following are definitions for sexting, digital reputation and cyber safety.
Sexting
Sexting refers to the sending of provocative or sexual photos, messages, or videos, generally using a mobile phone. It can also include posting this type of material online. While sharing sexually suggestive images or text messages may be seen as innocent flirting or amusement for young people, sexting can have serious personal, social and legal consequences. Under current Australian law, young people may be committing a crime when taking, receiving or forwarding sexual images of themselves or friends who are minors. This applies even if all participants are willing. These acts can represent the production or distribution of child pornography.
Digital reputation
Digital reputation, like any other form of reputation, refers to the generalised view others take of a person’s identity. The digital component refers to the evidence of a person’s interactions, comments and behaviours online and how this combines to form a whole impression of an individual. A digital reputation is as real, lasting and important as an individual’s general reputation. It affects a person’s image and how their identity and beliefs are understood.
Cyber safety
Cyberbullying occurs when the internet, email or mobile phones are used to deliberately and repeatedly engage in hostile behaviour to harm or upset someone. Cyberbullying can result in those involved experiencing social, psychological and academic difficulties.
Cyberbullying behaviours include:
sending abusive texts or emails
posting unkind messages or inappropriate images on social networking sites
tagging unflattering, private or offensive images with a person’s name to discredit or hurt them