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What Is a Social Filter? | Using Your Social Filter to Be a Friend | Episode 7

  • Writer: MindChild Institute
    MindChild Institute
  • Jul 31
  • 2 min read

Hi friends! Welcome!Today we’re going to talk about something called a social filter.

Have you ever said something funny or made a joke — but someone didn’t like it?Or maybe you made a face and someone got upset?That’s when your social filter helps you think about what you say and do before you say or do it.

What Is a Social Filter?

A social filter is like an invisible helmet in your brain.It helps you check your words and actions before you share them with others.It asks questions like:

  • “Is this kind?”

  • “Will this hurt someone’s feelings?”

  • “Is this the right time to say this?”

  • “Will this make my friends laugh or feel sad?”

Using Your Social Filter for Jokes

Jokes are fun! But sometimes jokes can hurt feelings if they’re not kind.Before you tell a joke, ask yourself:

  • “Will this joke make my friends laugh and feel happy?”

  • “Or could it hurt someone’s feelings?”

If it might hurt someone, it’s better to save that joke for another time — or make a funnier, nicer joke instead.

Body Language and Social Filter

Your body talks too!Making faces, crossing arms, or rolling your eyes can send messages.Your social filter helps you check:

  • “Does my face show what I really mean?”

  • “Am I being friendly or rude with my body?”

If your body language might confuse or hurt friends, try to change it to something kinder — like smiling or nodding.

Talking and Social Filter — The 10-Minute Rule

Sometimes we want to say things about others that might hurt their feelings — like name-calling or teasing.Here’s a good rule to help your social filter:

If it’s about something they can’t change about themselves in 10 minutes, don’t say it.

That means:

  • You shouldn’t call someone names or use insults.

  • Saying mean things doesn’t make you look cool — it actually hurts your reputation.

  • It can make people not want to be around you.

  • Being kind and respectful helps you make better friends and feel better about yourself.

Wrap-Up

Your social filter helps you:

  • Be kind with your words

  • Show friendly body language

  • Think before you talk or joke

  • Use the 10-minute rule to keep your words helpful and kind

When you use your social filter, you help your friends feel happy and safe — and you look like a great friend too!

Thanks for learning about the social filter with me today!See you next time!

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