Kind and Safe Creating
Creating is one of the most exciting things a person can do. And because your creations can reach other people, you have a superpower: the power to make someone feel good or feel bad. Great creators think carefully about that power. Today we are going to learn about making things that are kind, safe, and smart.
Kind Creating
A kind creation does not hurt people's feelings on purpose. It does not make fun of someone, spread rumors, or leave people out in a mean way. Kind creations can still be funny, silly, surprising, or even a little scary (like a spooky story). Being kind just means you stop and ask: could this hurt someone? If the answer is yes, you change it. Here is a helpful question to ask before you share anything you made: 'Would I be comfortable if my teacher, my parent, and my best friend all saw this?' If yes, you are probably good to go. If you feel uneasy — that feeling is telling you something important.
Your creation is a message to the world. Kind creators ask: will this make someone's day better or worse? Aim for better.
Safe Creating
Safe creating means protecting private information — yours and other people's. Private information is anything that could be used to find or identify you or someone else. Examples include: Your full name, home address, or phone number. Your school's name or the street it is on. Photos that show your face clearly. Passwords or account information. Anyone else's private details — even a friend's. When you use an AI tool to help you create, never type private information into it. AI tools save what you type, and that information could be seen by others. Instead of using real details, make up names and places. Instead of 'I live at 42 Oak Street,' use 'My character lives in Maplewood Village.' Your story is just as good — and much safer.
Never put your real name, address, school name, phone number, or anyone else's private details into an AI tool. Use made-up names and places instead.
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Here is one more safe creating tip: if an AI tool ever suggests something in your creation that feels wrong, mean, or uncomfortable — stop. You are always allowed to stop. You are the boss of your creation, and you decide what goes in it. Kind and safe creating is not about limiting your imagination. It is about using your imagination in ways that make the world a little bit better.
You are writing a story and want to give your main character a home town. What is the safest choice?
Before sharing a creation, you feel a little uneasy about it. What should you do?
Kind and Safe Check
- Draw a simple two-column chart on a piece of paper. Label one column 'Kind' and the other 'Safe.'
- Think of a creation you have made or want to make.
- Under 'Kind,' write one way you made sure it would not hurt anyone's feelings.
- Under 'Safe,' write one thing you would NOT include because it is private information.
- Share your chart with a family member or friend and explain why those choices matter.
- You are already thinking like a responsible creator!