Cleo and the Words That Stick

When Cleo overhears some confusing drama at school involving a photo, a cruel message, and friends turning on each other, she realises she’s glad her mum said no to Messenger Kids. On the drive home, she bravely opens up—and her mum helps her unpack what happened, how online words can wound, and why staying grounded in kindness and conscience really matters. A thoughtful story for navigating the messy side of digital friendships and choosing the kind of person you want to become.

Parent Conversation Guide:

What this episode is about:
Cleo’s story explores the murky world of group chats, unkind online behaviour, and what it means to be someone trustworthy—even when you’re left out. It invites young listeners to reflect on how screens shape relationships, the power of words, and what it means to stay true to yourself.

Conversation starters:

• “Have you ever seen someone send or share something unkind online?”
• “If someone sent something about you that hurt your feelings, what would you want to happen next?”
• “What do you think Mum meant when she said: ‘Apps don’t make people kind or mean—they show who we are becoming’?”
  
  

What you can say:

• “I’m really proud of the way you think things through. That’s your conscience—your inner guide—getting stronger.”
• “Even if you’re not on group chats yet, this is such a great time to learn what kind of friend you want to be when you are.”
• “Being left out now might protect you from bigger hurt later. And it’s not forever. We’re just building the muscles to handle it well.”
  
  

How to model it:

• Talk openly about your own screen use and what you do when you see hurtful things.
• Take screen breaks as a family and explain why they help. Be willing to lead your child, even if they protest, and intervene if they are experiencing too much online. Protect, restrict, remove their devices if it is not safe for them online.
• Model pausing before responding to messages. Narrate aloud things like, “Hmm, I’ll wait a bit to reply—I want to be thoughtful first.”
  
  

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