Emotional intelligence activity
Digital Citizenship
Learn how to be kind when using screens AND how to handle hearing 'no.' You want the tablet. You ask nicely. Sometimes a parent says no. Big feelings are real — and learning to wait is a real superpower.
Materials and setup
- paper
- markers
- timer
- pencil
How this changes by age
Pre-K (ages 3–4)
Learn how to be kind when using screens AND how to handle hearing 'no.' You want the tablet. You ask nicely. Sometimes a parent says no. Big feelings are real — and learning to wait is a real superpower.
Steps
- Point to a screen in your home (phone, tablet, or TV) and practice asking nicely: 'Can I please use the tablet?' Always ask a grown-up first!
- Practice what happens when the answer is 'no': your feelings might be sad or mad, and that's okay. Big feelings are real.
- Try this 3-step plan when you hear no: 1) Take 3 deep breaths. 2) Pick a different fun thing (blocks, drawing, going outside). 3) You can ask again later.
- Role play: parent says 'no, not right now.' Practice the 3 steps together. Celebrate when child uses the steps.
- Talk about screen breaks: after screen time, it's good to play outside, read a book, or do something active.
- Draw a picture showing your favorite things to do WITHOUT screens. Learning to wait and accept 'no' is a real superpower.
Learning objectives
- Practice asking permission before using devices
- Accept 'no' without melting down using a 3-step coping plan
- Name big feelings (sad, mad) as okay and normal
- Identify fun screen-free alternatives
Kindergarten (ages 5–6)
Learn the basics of being kind online. Practice 'would you say it in person?' before typing anything. Understand that real people are behind screens.
Steps
- Discuss: behind every screen is a real person with real feelings, just like you.
- Practice the 'THINK' before you post/say rule: Is it True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?
- Role play online scenarios: someone sends a mean message. What do you do? (Don't respond, tell an adult.)
- Practice the 'would you say it to their face?' test before sending any message.
- Create a 'Digital Kindness' pledge: 5 promises about how you'll treat others online.
Learning objectives
- Understand that online interactions affect real people
- Apply the THINK framework before posting or messaging
- Know to tell a trusted adult about mean online behavior
Early elementary (ages 6–8)
Study comprehensive digital citizenship: online etiquette, privacy protection, critical thinking about online content, and balancing screen time.
Steps
- Study online etiquette (netiquette): no ALL CAPS (it's like shouting), be respectful in disagreements, credit others' work.
- Learn about online privacy: what information is safe to share (first name, hobbies) vs. private (last name, address, school, phone number).
- Practice critical thinking: not everything online is true. Learn to check: Who wrote it? What's the source? Is it opinion or fact?
- Create a balanced media plan: how much time for learning, entertainment, and social interaction? Schedule screen-free activities.
- Discuss digital permanence: once you post something, it can be screenshotted and shared forever. Would future-you be okay with this post?
- Create a 'Digital Citizenship Guide' for your class or family with rules, tips, and scenarios.
Learning objectives
- Apply online etiquette in digital communications
- Protect personal privacy online
- Evaluate online content for accuracy and reliability
Upper elementary (ages 8–10)
Master advanced digital citizenship: media literacy, cyberbullying response, digital footprint management, and being a positive digital leader.
Steps
- Study media literacy in depth: how do algorithms create 'filter bubbles'? Why might your news feed look different from someone else's?
- Investigate cyberbullying: define it, study its effects, and learn response strategies (don't retaliate, save evidence, report, block, tell an adult).
- Audit your digital footprint: what information about you exists online? What would a future college or employer find?
- Study digital copyright and plagiarism: when can you use someone else's work? What is 'fair use'? How do you properly cite sources?
- Design a peer education session about digital citizenship. Create materials, scenarios, and discussion questions.
- Write a personal digital citizenship policy: your commitments, boundaries, and strategies for being a positive digital leader.
Learning objectives
- Analyze how algorithms shape online experiences
- Develop comprehensive cyberbullying response strategies
- Lead peer education on digital citizenship topics
Safety and evidence note
Read the full activity before beginning. An adult should supervise tools, heat, food, outdoor work, movement, and experiments as appropriate. Completion records that the activity was done; the child’s explanation, work sample, photo, or demonstration is stronger evidence of learning than a completion check alone.
Related emotional intelligence activities
Active Listening Challenge
Practice being a super listener! Learn to look at the speaker, keep your body still, and show you heard them by repeating back what they said.
Anti-Bullying Champions
Make a paper Kindness Chain — one link for every kind thing you do or say! See how long the chain can grow this week.
Conflict Resolution Toolbox (Sibling & Friend)
Learn to solve small, everyday problems with ONE sibling or ONE friend — the person right in front of you. Practice taking turns, sharing, and using words when you're upset.
Empathy Builders
Learn to recognize feelings in yourself and others. Practice caring about how others feel by reading faces and sharing comfort.