Online Safety Decisions
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What you will learn
- 1Explain the importance of online safety rules
- 2Identify types of online risks and how to avoid them
- 3Choose the safest action in online safety scenarios
- 4Match online risks to the correct safe responses
Mini Lesson
The internet is a powerful tool for learning and communication, but it also carries risks. Making safe decisions online protects your privacy, your feelings, and your safety. Just as you follow rules to stay safe in the real world, you need to follow rules to stay safe online.
Key Online Safety Rules
- Never share personal information — your full name, address, birthday, phone number, or photos.
- Use a nickname or username online instead of your real full name.
- Never agree to meet someone you only know online.
- Be kind online — do not say anything you would not say in person.
- Tell a trusted adult immediately if something online makes you uncomfortable.
Types of Online Risks
- Strangers asking for personal information — never share your address, birthday, or phone number.
- Cyberbullying — unkind messages or posts about you or others (do not reply; save them and tell a trusted grown-up).
- Unsafe content — images, videos, or websites that are inappropriate or disturbing.
- Phishing — fake messages that try to get your password or personal details.
- Too much screen time — spending so much time online that it affects sleep, learning, and time with family and friends.
What to Do if Something Feels Wrong
- Stop — do not respond to the message or click any link.
- Tell — speak to a trusted adult right away.
- Block and report — use the block/report button on the app or website.
Words to know
online safety
The practices that protect you from harm when using the internet.
privacy
The right to keep personal information about yourself confidential.
cyberbullying
Using the internet or digital devices to repeatedly bully or harm someone.
risk
The possibility of harm or danger.
password
A secret word or code used to get into an account — keep it private and share it only with a parent.
report
To tell a trusted adult or use an app's safety feature to flag harmful content.
Tip: Your personal information is like a key to your house — once you share it online, you cannot take it back. Always think before you post or share.
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