Internet Safety Lesson: How to Stay Safe Online

Lesson Overview

• What Is Internet Safety and Why Is It Important?
• What Is Personal Information-and Why You Should Protect It
• Online Friends Are Not Real-Life Friends
• What to Do If Someone Bothers You Online
• Choosing a Strong Password
• What Is an Email Attachment?
• Social Media: Fun and Risky
• The Role of the Internet in Daily Life
• Quick Safety Checklist
• Tips for Safe Online Gaming

The internet is a powerful tool. It helps us learn new things, connect with friends, play games, and explore the world. But just like we follow safety rules at home and school, we must also follow rules online. The internet can be fun and useful, but it can also be dangerous if we are not careful.

Let's discuss how to stay safe while using the internet. You'll learn how to protect your personal information, how to handle online messages, and how to tell if something-or someone-is unsafe. Being smart online means being safe, respectful, and responsible.

What Is Internet Safety and Why Is It Important?

Internet safety means using the internet in a way that protects your information and keeps you from being harmed. This includes:

• Keeping your personal information private
  
• Avoiding dangerous situations
  
• Reporting things that feel wrong or uncomfortable
  

There are people online who may pretend to be someone they are not, or try to get you to share personal information. That's why it's important to learn the rules of safe internet use and follow them every time you go online.

What Is Personal Information-and Why You Should Protect It

Personal information is any detail that can tell someone who you are, where you live, or how to contact you.

Examples of Personal Information

Full name

Home address or school name

Phone number

Age and birthday

Email address

Photos with identifiable backgrounds

Never share this information online-not even with people who say they're your age or seem friendly. You don't really know who's behind the screen.

Online Friends Are Not Real-Life Friends

Sometimes people online may say they are your age and like the same things you do. They may want to be your "friend" and try to chat with you often. But you must remember:

You don't know who they really are.

People online can lie about their name, age, or even what they look like. They may be trying to trick you into giving them information or meeting them in person. This is very dangerous.

If someone online wants to meet you:

• Tell a trusted adult immediately.
  
• Do not agree to meet.
  
• Stop talking to them right away.
  

What to Do If Someone Bothers You Online

Sometimes people online can be mean, rude, or scary. This is called cyberbullying, and it is never okay. If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable, or keeps messaging you when you don't want them to:

What You Should Do

Tell your parents, guardian, or a teacher

Report the user or message on the app or website

Block the person who is bothering you

Do not reply to mean or suspicious messages

Save and print messages to show a trusted adult

Talking to adults you trust is the best way to stay safe and stop the problem.

Take This Quiz:

Basic Internet Safety Quiz

Choosing a Strong Password

A good password helps keep your accounts safe from hackers or people trying to get into them without your permission.

A strong password should:

• Use a mix of capital and lowercase letters
  
• Include numbers and symbols
  
• Be at least 8 characters long
  
• Not be easy to guess (like "123456" or "password")
  

Example:

• Weak password: qwerty
  
• Strong password: Tr3eH0u$e9!
  

Never use your name, birthday, or pet's name in your password. And don't share your password with friends-only your parents or guardians should know it.

What Is an Email Attachment?

Sometimes when you get an email, there will be a file attached. This is called an email attachment. It could be:

• A picture
  
• A video
  
• A document or file
  

⚠️ Safety Tip:

Only open attachments from people you know and trust. Some attachments may contain viruses or dangerous programs. If you're unsure, ask a trusted adult before clicking or downloading anything.

Being Smart About Photos Online

Photos are a fun way to share memories with family and friends, but posting pictures online can reveal more than you think.

What to Watch Out For in Photos

School uniforms, signs, or names in the background

Street signs, house numbers, or car license plates

Faces of other people who haven't given permission

Clothing or actions that may be inappropriate

Before you post or share a photo:

• Check for private details
  
• Make sure nothing dangerous is visible
  
• Ask permission if others are in the photo
  

Social Media: Fun and Risky

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are very popular. But they also come with risks.

Risks of Social Media:

• Sharing too much information
  
• Strangers trying to contact you
  
• Cyberbullying
  
• Seeing inappropriate content
  

Safety Rules:

• Set your profile to private
  
• Only accept friend requests from people you know in real life
  
• Report or block anyone who makes you uncomfortable
  

Ask a parent before creating a social media account-and never lie about your age to sign up early.

The Role of the Internet in Daily Life

The internet is a great tool for:

• Researching school projects
  
• Sending messages
  
• Playing games
  
• Watching videos
  
• Learning new things
  

But just like crossing the street or using scissors, we need to follow rules to stay safe.

Take This Quiz:

Internet Safety Pre Test Quiz

Quick Safety Checklist

Reporting Problems Online

If something bad happens online, it's not your fault-but you should report it.

Who to report to:

• Parents or guardians
  
• Teacher or school counselor
  
• Website or app moderators
  
• Local law enforcement (with help from an adult)
  

Many websites and apps have a "Report" button. Use it to report inappropriate messages or users.

Tips for Safe Online Gaming

Many kids love online games like Minecraft, Roblox, or Fortnite. But these games often have chat features where strangers can message you.

Safe Gaming Tips:

• Use a nickname that doesn't reveal your real name
  
• Turn off chat or limit it to friends only
  
• Never share your personal info or location
  
• Don't trade or buy items from unknown players
  
• Report inappropriate behavior or bullying
  

Gaming can be fun-but only when you play smart and safe.

Take This Quiz:

How much you know about Internet Safety?