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Debating the Privacy Line

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP | GRADE 12

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Essential Question

Should the government have access to all your �social media and cellphone data?

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Learning Objectives

Identify the pros and cons of schools having access to students' social media.

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Describe the concerns related to government access to social media and cellphone data, including those related to free speech and privacy.

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Choose a position for or against government access to social media and cellphone data, and support that position with reasons and examples.

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WATCH + DISCUSS

Discuss:

  • How do some schools monitor students' social media?
  • Do you agree with what they're doing? Why, or why not?

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Schools Should �Monitor Social Media

Schools Shouldn't �Monitor Social Media

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Surveillance

KEY VOCABULARY

Closely watching or keeping track of a �person or people

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Fourth amendment

KEY VOCABULARY

A law that protects people from unreasonable searches

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ACTIVITY: DEBATING ACCESS

In your group, choose two resources from the list and review them. As you review them, use the Notes Tracker to track reasons for and against whether the government—including schools—should be able to access your social media and cellphone data.

Directions

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ACTIVITY: CLASS DISCUSSION

Should the government have access to all your cellphone data and social media? Why, or why not?

Directions:

  1. Close your computer halfway.
  2. Track the speaker and practice active listening.
  3. If you need to refer to your notes, check your screen quickly and then close it halfway again.

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ACTIVITY: TAKE A SIDE

After reviewing the resources and taking notes, decide where you stand.

Should the government—and schools—be able to access your social media and cellphone information? If so, under what circumstances?

Write your response on the handout. Make sure to clearly state your position on the topic and support it with strong reasons and specific examples.

Directions

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