Every Screen Has a Human Side

IVA Online School explores how thoughtful words and simple acts of support help students build meaningful connections online

A classmate gives the wrong answer during an online lesson. Someone’s home appears briefly on camera. A student asks for help in a group chat. Each moment presents a choice: embarrass, ignore or encourage.

These small decisions sit at the heart of digital kindness. As World Kindness Day approaches on 13 November, IVA Online School is highlighting the importance of teaching children that their words carry weight, even when delivered through a screen.

Lindsay Scott, a teacher at IVA Online School, believes responsible digital citizenship begins by making every student feel valued.

“Everyone needs to be seen and heard,” she says.

Building confidence, one response at a time

 Digital kindness takes shape through everyday classroom habits: waiting patiently to speak, listening without interrupting and responding thoughtfully when someone makes a mistake.

During Lindsay’s lessons, an incorrect answer becomes an opportunity for classmates to build on an idea, rather than dismiss it. Regular conversations about students’ weekends also create space for connection beyond academic work.

Teachers’ responses matter just as much. A private message to a student who seems unusually quiet can communicate care without drawing unwanted attention.

“I think most importantly the teachers need to be kind and empathetic to help the learners develop empathy,” Lindsay explains.

Respecting the person beyond the camera

Online learning connects students whose home environments and circumstances may differ considerably. Respecting those differences means understanding that access to someone’s screen does not entitle others to access their private life.

Students should never feel embarrassed about their surroundings or pressured to reveal more than they feel comfortable sharing.

“We want everyone to feel safe, accepted and respected, regardless of what their home environment looks like,” says Lindsay.

Thoughtful communication also requires students to pause before posting. A short reply or capital letters can convey an unintended tone. Asking whether a comment is fair, helpful and something they would welcome themselves encourages greater care.

Disagreement remains part of healthy discussion. Challenging an idea respectfully allows students to express different views while protecting each other’s dignity.

Turning empathy into action

 IVA Online School’s reading programme gives older students opportunities to support younger readers, with an emphasis on building friendships alongside skills.

One example extended beyond the organised programme. A Grade 5 student approached a Grade 6 volunteer for additional help, prompting her to arrange weekly reading sessions independently.

The exchange demonstrated two valuable lessons: asking for support takes courage, and kindness means recognising an opportunity to help.

That same principle applies when students witness hurtful behaviour online.

“A joke is only funny when everyone involved is enjoying it,” Lindsay says.

Checking in privately, offering encouragement and reporting concerning behaviour to a teacher or trusted adult can help students support one another. Bullying, threats and discrimination require adult involvement; children should never feel responsible for handling these situations alone.

Making kindness a daily habit

Parents reinforce these lessons through their own online behaviour, including how they disagree, acknowledge mistakes and apologise. Honest conversations help children understand that accountability and support can exist together.

Healthy boundaries matter too. Students can care about their friends while taking time away from messages and screens.

Lindsay’s World Kindness Day challenge is simple: notice something good about someone and tell them.

Digital kindness becomes meaningful when it moves beyond an annual observance and into everyday choices. Every thoughtful reply, respectful disagreement and quiet offer of help teaches children that a screen never removes their responsibility to care about the person on the other side.