The Top 3 Movies to Teach Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship

Why Movies Work

The Top 3 Movies to Teach Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship compress abstract digital‑citizenship lessons into vivid stories students remember. When paired with guided questions, they prompt reflection on empathy, privacy, and online consequences—skills highlighted in every major digital‑literacy framework.

1. Cyberbully(2011) – Raw Consequences of Online Harassment

Quick Facts	Details
Rating	TV‑14
Run Time	87 min
Best For	Grades 8–12 health, advisory, ELA

Plot in one line: A teen’s social world unravels after classmates weaponize an anonymous networking site. OPTIONAL: Want to go beyond the movie guide?

• Discuss anonymity versus accountability.
• Compare school anti‑bullying policies with the film’s legal outcome.
• Brainstorm student‑led “Report • Block • Save” protocols.

[caption id="attachment_4888" align="alignnone" width="300"] Grab‑and‑Go Guide: Cyberbully Movie Guide & Worksheet[/caption]  

2. Eighth Grade(2018) – Navigating the Social‑Media Minefield

Quick Facts	Details
Rating	R (language)
Run Time	94 min
Best For	Grades 9–12 SEL, media‑lit

Plot in one line: Kayla posts confident vlogs while privately battling social‑media anxiety and peer validation. OPTIONAL: Want to go beyond the movie guide?

• Examine “highlight‑reel vs. real life” and its effect on self‑image.
• Have students script a 60‑second video PSA on supportive commenting.
• Tie scenes to the nine elements of digital citizenship.

[caption id="attachment_3609" align="alignnone" width="300"] Grab‑and‑Go Guide: Eighth Grade Movie Guide & Worksheet[/caption]

3. Ralph Breaks the Internet(2018) – Family‑Friendly Gateway into Online Etiquette

Quick Facts	Details
Rating	PG
Run Time	112 min
Best For	Grades 4–8 digital‑citizenship kickoff

Plot in one line: Ralph and Vanellope tour a theme‑park version of the Internet and learn how careless clicks spiral into viral chaos. OPTIONAL: Want to go beyond the movie guide?

• Map film locations to real‑world sites (search engine, social media, e‑commerce).
• Debate “likes” culture and healthy screen‑time habits.
• Close with Childnet’s cast‑approved online‑safety tips activity.

[caption id="attachment_11019" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ralph Breaks the Internet Movie Guide | Questions | Worksheet (PG - 2018)[/caption] Grab‑and‑Go Guide: Ralph Breaks the Internet Movie Guide & Worksheet  

Lesson‑Builder Additional Ideas for Teachers:

1. Starter definitions – Post a slide that defines digital citizenship in student‑friendly terms.
2. Reflection exit ticket – “One digital choice I’ll rethink after today is …”.
3. Service connection – Turn student PSAs into school‑wide campaigns during Digital Citizenship Week.

Ready When You Are

Each linked guide includes time‑stamped questions, higher‑order prompts, and extension tasks—no prep required. Embed a film in tomorrow’s lesson plan and watch your students connect screen life with real‑life choices.