The best way to handle this is in a proactive manner. While ultimately it is the parents' responsibility to monitor internet use, teachers are finding they must now deal with many of the adverse effects in their classroom.
Some schools now have a social competency program that is mandated district-wide. Many teachers are implementing their own lessons and programs through morning meetings and classroom discussions.
Have you seen this acronym before? T.H.I.N.K. is a good reminder to students (and let's be honest, adults as well) to ask themselves 5 questions:
- Is it True?
- Is it Helpful?
- Is it Inspiring?
- Is it Necessary?
- Is it Kind?
I encourage you to have your students make their own posters using this message and display them around the school.
If you need another idea on how you can improve the social climate within your classroom be sure to check out my blog post that shares how I help to ensure each of my students are doing OK and to encourage friendships.

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Subscribe to the Clutter-Free Classroom Newsletter I hate clutter and promise not to fill your inbox with spammy clutter. I value your time and won't waste it with junk. Instead, you'll receive valuable free content and printables that will make your teaching job easier delivered in one weekly email.