Q1.
Work in groups to design posters and pamphlets about various aspects of responsible social media behaviour and paste them at designated places in the school. Also, fill in Table 6.4 based on your collective observations.
Answer
How to do the poster work. Split the class into groups and give each group one theme, so the posters together cover the whole topic:
- Think before you post — once something is online it is very hard to remove.
- Protect your privacy — never put your address, phone number, school name, timetable or passwords online.
- Stop cyberbullying — do not forward a hurtful message; report it and tell an adult.
- Check before you believe — false rumours spread fastest.
- Screen time and sleep — put the phone away well before bedtime.
Keep each poster to one big message, one picture and a few large words, and add a line telling readers whom to ask for help — parents, class teacher, or the school counsellor.
| Table 6.4: Dos and don'ts to be followed on social media | |
|---|---|
| Dos | Don'ts |
| Be respectful and kind. | Do not share personal photos with strangers/ virtual friends. |
| Think before posting. | Do not spread false rumours, misleading messages or make fun of anyone online. |
| Protect privacy. | Do not share personal information — address, phone number, school name or passwords — and do not accept friend requests from strangers. |
| Ask elders or teachers when something online confuses or frightens you. | Do not reply to or forward a bullying message; save it as proof and report it instead. |
| Fix a screen time and keep enough time for study, play and sleep. | Do not meet an online 'friend' alone, and do not click on unknown links. |
Why this is part of a science chapter: adolescence is a time of heightened curiosity and excitement, and adolescents are strongly influenced by their peers. Online platforms are useful for information and connection, but used carelessly they can harm sleep, studies and mental health. Using them responsibly is a health habit, like eating well.