Internet Safety Lesson: Protecting Yourself Online
Lesson Overview
- What Is Internet Safety?
- What to Do on Unsafe Websites
- Protecting Your Personal Information
- Password Safety Tips
- How to Handle Unkind or Scary Messages
- What Is Cyberbullying?
- Internet Safety Checklist
The internet is a powerful tool. It helps us research, learn, play, and communicate with others all over the world. But just like you follow rules to stay safe on the road or at school, you also need to follow rules to stay safe online.
This lesson will help you understand how to use the internet safely. You'll learn about protecting personal information, creating strong passwords, recognizing online dangers, and dealing with cyberbullying. Smart internet habits can protect you and others-and make your online experience positive and safe.
What Is Internet Safety?
Internet safety means making smart choices online so you don't get hurt, tricked, or embarrassed. It includes things like:
- Keeping your information private
- Knowing who and what to trust
- Being kind to others online
- Reporting problems when they happen
The goal is to protect your information, identity, and emotions while using the internet.
What to Do on Unsafe Websites
Sometimes you may land on a website that makes you uncomfortable or asks for strange things. When that happens, you should:
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Avoid This |
| Leave the website immediately | Stay and explore more links |
| Tell a parent, teacher, or adult | Try to handle it alone |
If something online feels wrong, looks wrong, or sounds wrong, it's best to exit and report it.
Always Ask Permission Before Using New Sites
If a website asks you for your parent's permission, that means it might collect your information or have content for older users.
Always ask a trusted adult before:
- Signing up for a new website or app
- Creating an account
- Giving out any personal information
Asking permission keeps you safe from unsafe websites or services that might misuse your data.
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Protecting Your Personal Information
Personal information includes things like:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your school name
- Your phone number
- Where you hang out or live
- Your passwords
You should never share these with people you meet online-even if they seem friendly or say they have mutual friends.
Password Safety Tips
Your password is the key to your online identity. If someone gets it, they could pretend to be you or steal your data.
| ✅ Good Password Habits | ❌ Bad Password Habits |
| Make passwords long and strong | Using "123456" or your birthday |
| Include letters, numbers, and symbols | Using your pet's name |
| Keep your password private | Telling your friends or classmates |
| Change your password if someone finds it out | Keeping the same password forever |
Example of a strong password:
M0nkey!92Tree$
Strong passwords keep your accounts and messages safe.
Who Can You Share Passwords With?
You should only share your password with:
- A parent
- A trusted guardian
Never share passwords with friends, even if they promise not to tell anyone. If someone has your password, they could:
- Change your account settings
- Send messages pretending to be you
- Steal or delete your stuff
Dangers of Sharing Personal Info
When you share personal information online, you can put yourself at risk of:
- Identity theft
- Hacking
- Cyberbullying
- Scams
Even if someone says they are your age or have the same hobbies, you never really know who's behind the screen. Be cautious and protect your private life.
How to Handle Unkind or Scary Messages
If you get a rude, mean, or threatening message, don't respond. Instead, follow these steps:
- Save or screenshot the message
- Show it to a parent, teacher, or trusted adult
- Block the person who sent it
- Report them to the website or app
Ignoring the message might not stop it, but telling an adult can make it stop.
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What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to hurt, threaten, or embarrass someone else.
Examples include:
- Sending mean messages or texts
- Posting embarrassing pictures of someone
- Pretending to be someone else to spread lies
- Flaming: saying hurtful things in online chats or comments
Cyberbullying can hurt just like bullying in real life. If you see it happening-or it happens to you-speak up and get help.
Are Private Chats Always Private?
The answer is no. Even if you're chatting in a "private" message, someone could:
- Screenshot your conversation
- Share it with others
- Hack into your account
You should never say anything in a message you wouldn't say in public or to someone's face. If it's not kind or helpful, don't post it-even in private.
Smart Choices on Social Media
Some apps and websites let you create profiles, post photos, and make friends online. These are called social networking sites, like:
- Instagram
- TikTok
- Snapchat
Here's how to stay safe:
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don't |
| Set your account to private | Accept friend requests from strangers |
| Ask parents before posting | Share your location or full name |
| Think before you post | Post things when you're angry or upset |
Social media is fun-but only when used with respect and care.
Avoiding Online Scams and Phishing
Have you ever seen a message like this?
"Your account will be deleted unless you send your password and credit card now!"
This is called a scam or phishing attempt. It's a trick to steal your personal data.
Signs of a scam:
- They ask for your password or credit card
- The message is urgent or scary
- There are spelling mistakes or strange links
Never give out personal info in emails or messages, especially from people you don't know.
What If Someone Pretends to Be You Online?
If someone creates a fake account using your name or photo, here's what you should do:
- Tell your parents immediately
- Report the fake account to the website or app
- Do not message the person yourself
Pretending to be someone else online is dangerous and against the rules of most websites. Always report it.
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Internet Safety Checklist
| ✅ Safety Rule | 💡 Why It Matters |
| Keep passwords strong and secret | Protects your accounts and personal info |
| Ask before using new sites | Some websites may be unsafe or not kid-friendly |
| Never give out private info | Stops identity theft and prevents stranger danger |
| Report mean or scary messages | Adults can help you solve the problem |
| Be careful who you trust online | Not everyone is who they say they are |
| Think before you post | What you share may last forever and affect your future |
| Log out of shared computers | Prevents others from seeing or changing your accounts |
Why Your Online Behavior Matters
Everything you do online affects other people. That's why it's important to:
- Be kind in your messages
- Post truthful and respectful comments
- Avoid spreading rumors or secrets
Good online behavior builds trust, friendship, and a positive digital reputation. Just like in real life, your actions show who you are.
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