Internet Safety on Social Networking Sites Lesson

Lesson Overview

• Understanding Social Networking Sites
• Privacy Settings: Who Can See What?
• Think Before You Post
• Online Messages and Chatting
• Personal Information and Identity Safety
• Handling Unwanted Behavior
• Game Invitations and Unknown Apps
• Chatting Online: Quick, But Risky
• Understanding Spamming
• Friend Requests: Be Smart About It
• Safe vs. Unsafe Online Behaviors
• Key Takeaway: 

The internet is a powerful tool that connects people across the world. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to share updates, photos, and messages. However, using these platforms comes with responsibilities and risks. Understanding internet safety is essential, especially for young students who are beginning to explore these platforms.

Understanding Social Networking Sites

What is a Social Networking Site?

A social networking site is a digital platform that allows users to create profiles, connect with others, and share content. Examples include:

Students might wonder: Why do people use these platforms? The answer is to stay connected, express themselves, and keep up with news or entertainment.

Privacy Settings: Who Can See What?

The Concept of "Friending"

When you friend someone on a social network, you give them permission to view your private content. This includes photos, posts, and personal updates that are not visible to the public.

Why it matters:

• If you friend someone you don't know, they can see things that might be meant only for close friends.
  
• Even if your profile is "private," friends still get access.
  

Student Tip:
Never accept a friend request from someone you don't recognize in real life.

Think Before You Post

Posting online may feel casual, but everything shared can last forever-even if deleted.

What Makes a Post "Appropriate"?

Ask yourself:

• Is this post respectful?
  
• Could it hurt someone's feelings?
  
• Does it reveal too much personal information?
  

Why is this important?
Once something is online, it can be copied, shared, or saved-even without your permission.

Online Messages and Chatting

How Do Messaging Systems Work?

Messaging systems on social networks allow users to send texts privately-even when the other person is offline.

This means:

• Your friend can reply later when they are online.
  
• It feels like texting, but it's part of the social media platform.
  

Critical Thinking Question:
Would you say something to someone online that you wouldn't say face-to-face? If not, you shouldn't say it at all.

Take The Quiz:

Personal Information and Identity Safety

One of the top rules of internet safety is: Never share private information.

This includes:

• Full name
  
• Address
  
• Phone number
  
• School name
  
• Passwords
  

Why Should You Keep This Private?

Strangers can misuse this information. They might pretend to be your friend or try to contact you in unsafe ways. Your digital identity is like a key to your online world-don't hand it out.

Handling Unwanted Behavior

Defriending and Reporting

If someone is making you uncomfortable, posting inappropriate content, or being rude, you can:

• Unfriend or block them
  
• Report their behavior to a trusted adult or to the platform
  

Empowering Statement:
You have the right to control your online experience.

Game Invitations and Unknown Apps

Games are fun, but some can be unsafe.

Do Not Add:

• Games or apps that you don't recognize
  
• Games that ask for your personal information
  
• Apps that ask for permission to post on your behalf
  

Why?
Some games might carry hidden programs that can steal your data or show inappropriate content.

Safe Gaming Tips:

• Only install apps recommended by trusted sources.
  
• Ask a parent or teacher before downloading new games.
  

Chatting Online: Quick, But Risky

Online chatting feels fast and fun, but also comes with risks. Chatting refers to real-time messaging between users.

Good Chatting Behavior:

• Be respectful
  
• Don't share personal info
  
• Avoid chatting with strangers
  

What to watch for:

• People asking personal questions
  
• Messages that make you feel uncomfortable
  
• Pressure to do something you know is wrong
  

Tip:
If someone asks you to keep a secret online-tell a trusted adult immediately.

Understanding Spamming

Spamming means sending a lot of unwanted messages, often in a disruptive or annoying way.

Examples of spam:

• Repeating the same message many times in a chat
  
• Advertising links that pop up constantly
  
• Fake contests or "click here to win" posts
  

Why Avoid Spamming?

• It can lead to your account being suspended.
  
• It annoys other users.
  
• It may spread viruses or scams.
  

Student Strategy:
Ignore spam and don't click on strange links. Use the "report" feature if needed.

Friend Requests: Be Smart About It

When you get a friend request, stop and think:

Do I know this person?

• If yes, and they are someone safe, you may accept.
  
• If not, delete the request.
  

Risks of Accepting Strangers:

• They might steal your photos.
  
• They might message you inappropriately.
  
• They might pretend to be someone they are not.
  

Remember:
Your online space is your responsibility. Don't open the door to strangers.

Safe vs. Unsafe Online Behaviors

Key Takeaway: 

Being active on social networking sites can be enjoyable, but it requires awareness, responsibility, and caution. By learning the right way to share, chat, and interact online, students can build a safer digital world for themselves and others. Every action online leaves a footprint-so let's make sure it's a smart one.

Take The Quiz: