Cyber Explorer Skills · lesson 1 of 16 · 15 min
Kind comments
Comments are one of the most powerful ways we communicate online. A kind comment can make someone’s day. A mean comment can cause real hurt — and once it is posted, it is very hard to take back. Screenshots mean your words can last forever, even after you delete them.
Being thoughtful about what you write in comments is a core part of being a good digital citizen. Every comment you leave is a reflection of who you are — online and in real life.
The THINK test: Before posting a comment, ask — Is it
T rue? Is it H elpful? Is it
I nspiring? Is it N ecessary? Is it
K ind? If it does not pass the THINK test, do not post it.
What kind comments look like
- Encouraging
- “This is really creative! Great job!”
Celebrates someone’s effort and makes them feel valued.
- Thoughtful disagreement
- “I see it differently, but I understand your point.”
Shares a different view without being disrespectful.
- Genuine question
- “How did you make that? I’d love to learn!”
Shows curiosity and interest in the other person.
- Supportive
- “You’ve got this! Keep going.”
Lifts someone up when they are struggling.
- Specific praise
- “I loved how you explained the third point — it made it so clear.”
Specific compliments feel more genuine than vague ones.
- Grateful
- “Thank you for sharing this — it really helped me.”
Expressing gratitude builds positive connections online.
The THINK test in action
Before you post any comment, run it through the THINK test:
- T — True: Is what you are saying accurate? Do not spread false information.
- H — Helpful: Does this comment help the person or the conversation?
- I — Inspiring: Does it lift someone up or add something positive?
- N — Necessary: Does this need to be said? Sometimes silence is better.
- K — Kind: Would you be comfortable if your teacher or parent read this?
If your comment passes all five — great, post it! If it fails even one, think about whether you should post it at all, or how you could rewrite it to be kinder.
Key words to remember
- THINK test
- Kind comment
- Digital citizen
- Permanent
- Constructive feedback
Match each THINK letter to what it stands for
Kind comments — quiz
What does the THINK test help you do?
- Type faster
- Decide whether a comment is worth posting
- Find the best search results
- Create a strong password
Answer: Decide whether a comment is worth posting
The THINK test (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind) helps you decide if a comment should be posted.
Once you post a mean comment, you can always delete it before anyone sees it.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Comments can be seen and screenshotted instantly. Once posted, you cannot guarantee no one has seen it.
Which of these is an example of a kind comment?
- “This is terrible, you should stop.”
- “You’re so much worse than everyone else.”
- “Great effort! I really liked the way you explained that.”
- “Nobody cares about this.”
Answer: “Great effort! I really liked the way you explained that.”
Kind comments are encouraging, specific, and respectful.
What does the “N” in THINK stand for?
- Nice
- Necessary
- Normal
- New
Answer: Necessary
N stands for Necessary — ask yourself if this comment needs to be said at all.
Specific compliments feel more genuine than vague ones.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Specific praise — like “I loved how you explained the third point” — feels more sincere than just “good job.”
What does the “H” in THINK stand for?
- Happy
- Honest
- Helpful
- Humble
Answer: Helpful
H stands for Helpful — does your comment help the person or the conversation?
You want to disagree with someone’s post. What is the kindest way to do it?
- “You are completely wrong.”
- “I see it differently, but I understand your point.”
- “This is the worst thing I have ever read.”
- “Why would you even post this?”
Answer: “I see it differently, but I understand your point.”
Respectful disagreement acknowledges the other person’s view while sharing your own.
Every comment you leave online is a reflection of who you are.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Your online comments contribute to your digital reputation — they reflect your character.
What should you do if a comment fails the THINK test?
- Post it anyway
- Think about whether to post it at all, or rewrite it to be kinder
- Post it but add an emoji
- Send it privately instead
Answer: Think about whether to post it at all, or rewrite it to be kinder
If a comment fails the THINK test, reconsider posting it or rewrite it to be more respectful.
What is constructive feedback?
- Criticism that is mean and hurtful
- Criticism that is helpful and respectful — pointing out how something could improve
- Feedback that only says positive things
- Feedback that is never shared
Answer: Criticism that is helpful and respectful — pointing out how something could improve
Constructive feedback helps someone improve without being mean — it is kind and specific.
Try it: Kind or unkind comment?
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Next lesson: When to ask for help