Responsible Use of Social Media for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Digital Technologies
Theme: Social Media Networking
Curriculum Theme: Online safety
Focal competence: Using social media platforms to communicate responsibly
Key competencies/values: ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies

Skills:

• Relating and communicating responsibly on social media

Previous Lesson: Basic Concepts and Setting up Social Media Accounts
Topic: Social Media Networking: Responsible Use Of Social Media
Subject Matter: Responsible Use of Social Media

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify characteristics of various social media platforms.
• Explain the importance of responsible social media use.
• Define key digital terms related to online safety.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the need for respectful communication online.
• Value privacy and digital footprint management.

Psychomotor Domain

• Create a class chat group.
• Demonstrate responsible communication practices on social media.

Social Domain

• Relate responsibly with peers on social media platforms.
• Practise safe online interactions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Digital Technologies for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Computer Laboratory with Internet connectivity
• Computer Systems
• Internet-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets)
• e-resources: e.g. eBooks, videos, audios, pictures related to social media safety
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate social media safely and ethically. It fosters digital citizenship, helping students understand the implications of their online actions and promoting responsible communication in the digital age. This understanding supports their overall online safety and well-being.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of computer operation, internet usage, and an understanding of what social media platforms are.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Social Media Networking: Responsible Use Of Social Media

Understanding Social Media and its Characteristics

Social media refers to interactive digital platforms that enable the creation and sharing of content, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. It allows users to connect with others globally.

Characteristics of social media platforms include:

1. Interactivity: Users can engage with content and other users through comments, likes, shares, and direct messages.
2. User-Generated Content: The primary content on social media is created and shared by its users.
3. Networking: Platforms facilitate the building of connections and communities based on shared interests or relationships.
4. Real-time Information Sharing: Events and updates can be shared and consumed almost instantly.
5. Personalisation: Feeds and content suggestions are often tailored to individual user preferences and past interactions.
6. Accessibility: Social media can be accessed from various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, often requiring an internet connection.

Principles of Responsible Social Media Use

Responsible use of social media involves making conscious and ethical choices about how one interacts online to ensure safety, respect, and positive engagement. Key principles include:

1. Think Before You Post: Consider the potential impact and permanence of your posts before sharing. Once something is online, it is difficult to remove completely.
2. Respect Privacy: Do not share personal information about yourself or others without consent. Respect privacy settings.
3. Be Respectful and Kind: Avoid cyberbullying, hate speech, or any form of disrespectful communication. Treat others online as you would in person.
4. Verify Information: Do not spread misinformation or fake news. Always check the credibility of sources before sharing content.
5. Protect Your Digital Footprint: Be aware that everything you do online leaves a digital trail. Manage your online presence carefully.
6. Manage Time Wisely: Avoid excessive use that interferes with studies, sleep, or real-life interactions.
7. Report Inappropriate Content: If you encounter content that is offensive, harmful, or illegal, report it to the platform administrators.
8. Use Strong Passwords: Protect your accounts with unique and strong passwords to prevent unauthorised access.

Relevant Digital Terms

Understanding these terms is crucial for responsible social media use:

1. Digital Footprint: The trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet. This includes websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit online.
2. Privacy Settings: Controls on social media platforms that allow users to manage who can see their posts, profile information, and interact with them.
3. Cyberbullying: The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
4. Phishing: The fraudulent practice of sending emails or messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
5. Misinformation/Disinformation: False or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent (misinformation) or with the intent to deceive (disinformation).
6. Netiquette: The correct or acceptable way of communicating on the Internet.

Practical Use of Social Media: Creating a Class Chat Group Responsibly

Creating and managing a class chat group requires responsible practices to ensure effective and safe communication:

1. Purpose and Rules: Clearly define the purpose of the group (e.g., academic discussions, assignment reminders) and establish rules for respectful communication, appropriate content, and usage times.
2. Consent: Ensure all members agree to be part of the group and understand its purpose.
3. Privacy: Advise members not to share sensitive personal information within the group.
4. Moderation: Appoint a moderator (teacher or designated student) to ensure rules are followed and to address any issues promptly.
5. Content Appropriateness: Emphasise that only relevant and appropriate content should be shared.
6. Reporting: Encourage members to report any inappropriate behaviour or content to the moderator.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Group Work, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to mention some social media platforms they are familiar with and how they use them. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Responsible Use of Social Media.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and share their experiences. They listen attentively to the topic introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to social media

Step 2: Social Media Platforms and Characteristics

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discovery/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to search the Internet for various social media platforms and identify their common characteristics. The teacher explains what social media is and highlights its key features.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils use internet-enabled devices to search for social media platforms and discuss their characteristics. They listen and contribute to the discussion.

Learning Point: Social media characteristics identified

Step 3: Principles of Responsible Social Media Use

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the core principles of responsible social media use, such as thinking before posting, respecting privacy, being respectful, and verifying information. The teacher encourages students to share scenarios where these principles are important.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, ask questions, and discuss real-life scenarios related to responsible online behaviour.

Learning Point: Responsible use principles explained

Step 4: Digital Terms and Online Safety

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Concept Clarification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clarifies relevant digital terms like “digital footprint,” “privacy settings,” “cyberbullying,” “phishing,” and “misinformation.” The teacher explains how these terms relate to online safety and responsible use.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanations, take notes, and ask for clarification on unfamiliar terms.

Learning Point: Digital safety terms understood

Step 5: Communicating and Relating Responsibly

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on how to communicate and relate responsibly on social media, focusing on avoiding cyberbullying, using polite language, and interacting positively with others. The teacher provides examples of appropriate and inappropriate communication.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, share their views on respectful online interaction, and learn from the examples provided.

Learning Point: Responsible online communication

Step 6: Creating a Class Chat Group

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to create a simple class chat group on a chosen platform (e.g., WhatsApp) and discusses the rules for responsible participation within such a group. The teacher guides students to practise creating a mock group or joining a sample group.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, ask questions, and participate in the guided practice of creating or joining a chat group, understanding the associated responsibilities.

Learning Point: Class chat group creation

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention three characteristics of social media.
2. List two principles of responsible social media use.
3. What is a digital footprint?
4. Why is it important to think before you post online?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding responsible social media

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on responsible social media use, characteristics, and digital terms into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of responsible and safe social media use for their personal well-being and digital citizenship. The teacher encourages students to apply what they have learned in their daily online interactions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Responsible social media reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your Digital Technologies notebook.

1. In your own words, explain what “netiquette” means and give two examples of good netiquette.
2. Discuss two potential dangers of irresponsible social media use.
3. Imagine you are creating a new class chat group. List three rules you would establish to ensure responsible communication within the group.
4. Research and identify one social media platform that is popular among teenagers in Nigeria and describe one of its privacy features.

Lesson Keywords

• Social Media – Interactive digital platforms for creating and sharing content.
• Responsible Use – Making ethical and safe choices when interacting online.
• Digital Footprint – The trail of data left by online activities.
• Privacy Settings – Controls to manage who sees online information.
• Cyberbullying – Harassing or intimidating someone online.
• Misinformation – False or inaccurate information spread online.
• Netiquette – Rules for polite online communication.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research and present on emerging social media platforms or advanced privacy settings. For students needing more support, provide simplified examples of responsible online behaviour and guide them through step-by-step instructions for adjusting privacy settings on a common platform.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search YouTube for: responsible use of social media for students nigeria