My Life Online: How to Be Safe, Smart, and Kind Online
According to My Life Online, today’s students are the first generation to grow up with text messaging in their pockets and social media at their fingertips. The average age for getting a smartphone is now just 11, with kids spending an average of six hours a day in front of a screen—while teens spend up to nine. Alarmingly, 52% of kids have regretted something they’ve posted online.
On Tuesday, students in Grades 4–6 attended a My Life Online presentation, an internet safety speaker series focused on the positive impact of social media. In a highly interactive session, Wendy, our presenter, explored the importance of navigating the digital world with care, kindness, and critical thinking. She highlighted key considerations such as the permanence of online posts, the emotional impact of our words, and the challenge of distinguishing between fact and fiction.
Wendy also shared cautionary tales illustrating how online actions can have real-world consequences. She recounted the stories of two students—one aspiring to attend Harvard and another aspiring NBA player aiming to play Division 1 basketball—whose university acceptances were revoked due to posts on their social media accounts. The same applies to job seekers: 54% of employers have chosen not to hire someone based on their online activity. The lesson? Kindness always wins.
To help students make better choices online, Wendy encouraged them to pause and ask themselves three simple yet powerful questions before posting:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it you?
She also challenged students to reflect: If it’s easier to be kind in person, how can we extend that same kindness online? Echoing the timeless wisdom, If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all, she reminded students that even if something is true, it should also be considerate and respectful. Finally, your posts should reflect who you are and what you’ve been taught. If not, don’t post.
The internet offers incredible opportunities, but responsible use is key. At CDS, we are committed to helping students understand the lasting impact of their digital footprint. Digital citizenship remains a vital part of our Junior School Health curriculum and is integrated into our overall technology policies and procedures. By fostering a culture of thoughtful online engagement, we empower students to make smart, safe, and kind choices—both online and offline.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
