Staying Safe Online

Keeping yourself protected on the internet means knowing what information to share, what to keep private, and how to ask a trusted adult for help.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Staying safe online as an interactive lesson.

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Definition

Staying safe online means making smart choices whenever you use a computer, tablet, or phone connected to the internet so that you protect your personal information, treat others kindly, and get help from a grown-up when something feels wrong or confusing.

Remember the rule

When in doubt, ask a trusted adult — STOP, THINK, TELL.

Key words

Personal information: Details about you that are private, like your full name, home address, phone number, school name, or password.
Password: A secret word or set of letters and numbers that only you and a trusted grown-up should know.
Trusted adult: A grown-up you feel safe telling anything to, like a parent, grandparent, or teacher.
Private: Something that belongs only to you and should not be shared with strangers.
Stranger: Someone you do not know in real life, even if they seem friendly online.
Website: A place on the internet, like a game site or learning page, that you visit on a screen.
Pop-up: A box that suddenly appears on the screen, often asking you to click something or give information.
Cyberbullying: When someone is mean to another person using a phone, computer, or the internet.

Worked examples

A message pops up in an online game saying: 'Tell me your address and I will send you a free prize!' What should you do?

→ Do NOT type your address. Close the message and tell a trusted adult right away. · Your home address is personal information that strangers should never have.

You are signing up for a learning website and it asks for a username. Which is safer — 'StarReader22' or 'EmmaBrown_Oak Street'?

→ 'StarReader22' is safer because it does not include your real name or where you live. · A username should never reveal personal information to strangers.

Someone you only know online says, 'You are my best friend — send me your photo.' What should you do?

→ Do not send the photo. Tell a trusted adult about the message immediately. · People online can pretend to be someone they are not.

You visit a website and a big pop-up says 'YOU WON! Click here!' What should you do?

→ Do not click it. Tell a trusted adult and let them look at it first. · Pop-ups that say you won something are almost always tricks.

A classmate posts a mean comment about another student's drawing on a school app. Is that okay?

→ No, that is cyberbullying. You should tell a teacher or parent, and do not add more mean comments. · Being kind online follows the same rules as being kind in person.

You accidentally see something on the internet that scares or upsets you. What should you do?

→ Do not click anything else. Go find a trusted adult and show them what you saw. · You will never be in trouble for telling a grown-up about something upsetting you saw online.

Common mistakes

Sharing their full name, school, or address in games or chat boxes because it feels like just playing
Clicking on pop-ups or flashing ads without asking a grown-up first
Telling their password to friends at school because they trust them — passwords should stay secret even from friends
Thinking someone online must be safe because they seem nice or say they are a kid
Not telling a trusted adult when something feels weird or scary online because they worry they will get in trouble

FAQs

Can I share my first name online?

It is safer to use a made-up username instead of any part of your real name, because strangers do not need to know who you really are.

What if my friend asks for my password so we can play together?

Keep your password private even from friends. Ask a grown-up to help you find another way to play together safely.

How do I know if a website is okay to visit?

Always ask a trusted adult before visiting a new website. Stick to sites your parent or teacher has already said are safe.

What should I do if someone online is being mean to me?

Do not reply to the mean messages. Save or show the messages to a trusted adult right away so they can help you.

Is it okay to meet someone in person who I only know from online?

Never. Always tell a trusted adult if someone online ever asks to meet you, and never go without a grown-up's knowledge and protection.

What does it mean that the internet never forgets?

Once you share a photo or message online, it can be saved and seen by others even after you delete it, so always think before you post anything.

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