Asking Before We Click

Always ask a trusted adult before clicking on anything new or unknown on a screen.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Asking Before We Click as an interactive lesson.

Definition

'Asking Before We Click' means that before you tap or click on a new link, pop-up, download, picture, or button on a computer, tablet, or phone, you stop and ask a grown-up you trust if it is okay. This keeps you safe online and helps you avoid things that could be harmful or scary.

Remember the rule

STOP → ASK → Then Click (or Don't Click)

Key words

Click: To press a button on a mouse or tap the screen to open or choose something.
Link: A word, picture, or button you can click that takes you to a different page or place on the internet.
Pop-up: A window that suddenly appears on the screen, often asking you to do something or showing an ad.
Download: When a file or app moves from the internet onto your device so you can use it.
Trusted Adult: A grown-up you know well and feel safe with, like a parent, guardian, or teacher.
Safe: Something that will not hurt you, scare you, or cause problems for your computer.
Permission: When someone in charge says it is okay for you to do something.
Internet: A giant network that connects computers all over the world so people can share information.

Worked examples

You are watching a cartoon video online and a big flashing box pops up that says 'YOU WON A FREE PRIZE! Click here!'

→ Stop watching and do NOT click. Go find a trusted adult, show them the pop-up, and ask if it is real and safe. · Free-prize pop-ups are almost always tricks meant to steal information or put bad software on your device.

Your friend told you about a fun game website. You found what looks like the right site and there is a big 'Download Now' button.

→ Before you click Download, go get a parent or guardian, show them the website, and let them decide if it is the right and safe site to download from. · Downloads can put harmful programs on a device, so a grown-up should always approve them first.

You are doing homework and you see a link in a search result. You are not sure if it will help you.

→ Ask your trusted adult or teacher, 'Can I click on this link for my homework?' Let them look at it first. · Even helpful-looking links can sometimes lead to websites that are not right for kids.

An email appears on the family computer that says 'Click here to see a funny video' and you do not know who sent it.

→ Do not click. Show the email to a parent or guardian right away and let them check who sent it. · Clicking unknown links in emails is one of the most common ways computers get viruses.

You are playing an approved game and a button appears that says 'Buy More Coins.' You want more coins for the game.

→ Stop and ask a parent before clicking, because buying coins could cost real money on their account. · In-app purchases use real money, so permission from a grown-up is always needed first.

You are reading a kids' news site for class and you see a story link about your favorite animal. It looks totally fine.

→ It is still a good habit to quickly ask an adult, 'Can I click on this animal story?' Even safe-looking links deserve a quick check until you are older and know the rules better. · Building the habit of asking every time makes it automatic, so you never skip it when it really matters.

Common mistakes

Clicking pop-ups right away because they look exciting or say you won something.
Thinking a link is safe just because it has a fun picture or familiar-looking colors.
Forgetting to ask because a trusted adult is in another room — always go get them instead of clicking first.
Clicking 'OK' or 'Yes' on boxes just to make them go away without reading what they say.
Believing a message is safe because a friend sent it — friends can accidentally share unsafe links too.

FAQs

What if a trusted adult is busy? Can I just click quickly?

No. Wait until your trusted adult is free, or find another trusted grown-up nearby. No click is so urgent that it cannot wait a minute or two.

Do I need to ask about every single thing I click, even buttons in a game I already use?

For apps and games a trusted adult already approved, everyday buttons inside them are usually fine. You mainly need to ask about new links, pop-ups, downloads, or anything you have never seen before.

Why can't I just tell if something is safe by looking at it?

Tricky things on the internet are made to look friendly and fun on purpose, so even grown-ups get fooled sometimes. That is exactly why we always ask — two sets of eyes are better than one.

What should I do if I accidentally clicked something before asking?

Tell a trusted adult right away. Do not try to fix it yourself or hide it. The sooner a grown-up knows, the faster they can help make sure everything is okay.

Is it okay to ask my older brother or sister instead of a parent?

It depends on the rules in your home. Ask your parents first if an older sibling counts as a trusted adult for internet decisions. When in doubt, go to a parent or guardian.

What is the difference between a safe website and an unsafe one?

Safe websites for kids are ones a parent or teacher has already checked and said yes to. Unsafe ones might ask for your name, address, or passwords, or try to get you to download things. A trusted adult can help you learn to spot the difference over time.

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