Being Kind on Screens

Being kind on screens means using kind words and actions when you talk to others using phones, tablets, or computers.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Being Kind on Screens as an interactive lesson.

Definition

When we use a device like a tablet or computer to talk to someone — by typing words, sending a picture, or making a video call — we should treat that person the same kind way we would if they were standing right next to us. Being kind on screens means choosing friendly words, using a happy tone, and never saying or doing anything that would hurt someone's feelings online.

Remember the rule

Before you send, ask: Is it TRUE? Is it KIND? Is it NECESSARY? If yes to all three — send it!

Key words

Screen: The glowing part of a phone, tablet, or computer that you look at and touch.
Online: When your device is connected to the internet so you can talk to or see other people.
Message: Words or pictures you send to someone through a device.
Emoji: A little picture face you can add to a message to show how you feel, like a smiley face 😊.
Kind words: Words that make someone feel happy, loved, or safe — like 'great job' or 'I like you.'
Hurtful words: Words that make someone feel sad, scared, or left out — we never send these.
Cyberbullying: When someone uses a screen to be mean to another person on purpose, over and over again.
Think before you send: Stopping to ask yourself if your message is kind before you press the send button.

Worked examples

Your friend draws a picture and shares it on a video call. What do you say?

→ Say: 'Wow, I love your drawing! You are so creative!' · Noticing something good about what someone made is a great way to be kind on screens.

Someone sends you a message with a silly joke. How do you respond?

→ Send back a laughing emoji 😄 and say: 'Ha ha, that was so funny! Tell me another one!' · Responding with warmth lets the other person know you enjoyed their message.

You are playing an online game with a classmate and they make a mistake. What do you do?

→ Say: 'That's okay, you will get it next time! We can try together.' · Everyone makes mistakes — encouraging words help friends keep trying.

A classmate sends you a message that feels mean and hurts your feelings. What should you do?

→ Do not send a mean message back. Tell a trusted grown-up right away and show them the message. · A grown-up can help fix the problem safely.

You want to share a funny picture with a friend. Before you send it, what do you ask yourself?

→ Ask: 'Will this picture make my friend feel happy or sad?' If it might make them feel bad, do not send it. · Thinking before you send keeps your friend's feelings safe.

Your cousin is feeling sick and you want to cheer them up over a video call. What can you say?

→ Say: 'I hope you feel better really soon! I miss you and I am thinking about you!' · Kind words through a screen can make someone feel better even when you are far away.

Common mistakes

Sending ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in a message — capitals can look like shouting and feel scary or mean to the reader.
Forgetting that a real person with real feelings is on the other side of the screen.
Sending a message when you feel angry — always take a breath and calm down before you type anything.
Sharing a photo or video of someone without asking them first — always ask permission.
Thinking it is okay to say something mean online because the person cannot see your face — it still hurts just as much.

FAQs

Why does it matter how I act on a screen if the other person is not right next to me?

Even though you cannot see them, there is a real person reading your words. Your message can make them feel very happy or very sad, just like words said out loud can.

What if someone is mean to me on a screen?

Do not write anything mean back. Close the app or put down the device, and tell a parent, teacher, or trusted grown-up right away. You are not in trouble — asking for help is the right thing to do.

Can an emoji be unkind?

Yes! Sending a mean face emoji or a thumbs-down on purpose to hurt someone's feelings is not kind. Use emojis to spread happiness, not to make people feel bad.

Is it okay to say something online that I would not say to someone's face?

No. A good rule is: if you would not say it while standing in front of that person, do not type it or send it on a screen.

What does it mean to think before I send?

It means you pause and ask yourself: Is this message kind? Would this hurt my friend's feelings? If your answer is yes it might hurt them, delete it and think of something kinder to say instead.

How can I show I am happy or excited in a message if the person cannot hear my voice?

Use kind, cheerful words like 'Yay!' or 'That is awesome!' and add a happy emoji like 😊 or ⭐ to help the other person feel your excitement through the screen.

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