Lesson 250: Ask an adult before using online apps

💡 TECHNOLOGY & FUTURE SKILLS (40 Lessons) • Section A — Technology Around Us

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Objective

I can say that I should ask a trusted adult before using online apps or games, and I can use the rule "pause, ask, then tap" when something new pops up.

Materials

Mini-lesson — Ask an adult before using apps

An app is a little program on a device. Some apps are games, some are for videos, and some are for learning.

Not all apps are made for kids

  • Some apps are for grown-ups.
  • Some apps have ads, chat, or links to other places online.
  • That is why children need help from adults.

When to pause and ask

  • You see a new app icon that you do not know.
  • A pop-up says: "Download this now!"
  • An app store page shows a game you have never used before.
  • A friend says: "Tap this! It is so cool!"

The rule: pause, ask, then tap

  • Pause your finger. Do not tap yet.
  • Ask a trusted adult: "Is this app okay for me?"
  • Only tap if the adult says it is safe and they will help.

Trusted adults help choose apps

  • Parents and teachers can read the information about the app.
  • They can check if it is the right age and if it has grown-up things.
  • They can decide when and how long you may use it.

If something feels wrong

  • If an app shows unkind words, scary pictures, or asks for private info, you can stop right away.
  • Put the device down and tell an adult.
  • You never have to stay in an app that makes you feel upset.

Adults can say: "If you see a new app, pop-up, or store page, pause and ask me first. We will decide together what is safe."

Picture strip: "Pause, ask, then tap"

Guided Practice — App stories: pause or tap?

You and an adult will read short app stories and decide if the child should pause and ask or tap and play.

  1. On a page, draw two columns. Label one side "Pause & ask" and the other side "Ok with adult".
  2. Story 1: "You see a new app with a bright icon that you do not know." Ask: "Pause & ask, or ok with adult?" Place it in the Pause & ask column.
  3. Story 2: "Your parent opens a learning app you both know and sits next to you." Decide this can be Ok with adult.
  4. Story 3: "A pop-up says: 'Free prize! Tap here!'" Talk about why this is a time to pause & ask.
  5. Help your child think of two more app stories from your home or class. For each one, decide together where it belongs on the chart.
  6. Under the chart, write or trace the rule: "If I do not know an app or pop-up, I pause and ask an adult."
  7. Practise a quick game. Adult calls out: "New app icon!", "Pop-up!", or "Usual math app with teacher". Child shows with hands: Pause (hands up), or Ok (thumbs up next to adult).
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: As you trace, say a sentence such as "If I see a new app or pop-up, I pause and ask an adult."

Practice — My "Ask an adult" plan

Use this practice to help your child remember who to ask and what to say before using online apps.

  1. On a new page, draw a device (like a tablet or phone) with four app icons. Make at least one icon new that your child does not know.
  2. Next to the device, draw two trusted adults in your child's life (for example, a parent and a teacher).
  3. Under the picture, help your child write or trace the words: "I will ask…" and then add the names of the trusted adults.
  4. Practise saying a full sentence, such as: "Can you check if this app is ok for me before I tap?"
  5. Now act out a mini scene. The adult points to the new app icon. The child practises pausing and saying their sentence.
  6. At the bottom of the page, write or trace the rule: "See something new? Pause, ask, then tap."
  7. Put the page near a device area as a reminder of the "Ask an adult" plan.

Quick Check — Ask an adult before using online apps

Answer each question about online apps and asking adults for help.

1) What should you do when you see a new app on a device?

New apps are a time to pause and check with adults.

2) A pop-up says, "Free game! Download now!" What is the best choice?

Pop-ups can lead to places that are not made for children.

3) Who is a trusted adult you can ask about apps?

Trusted adults are people who care for you in real life.

4) Which rule is best for new apps?

We want children to include adults in decisions about online apps.

5) An app shows pictures that feel scary or unkind. What should you do?

Adults can help you decide if the app should be turned off or removed.

6) Which is a good talking sentence from this lesson?

We want children to feel comfortable asking adults about apps.

7) Your friend says, "Just tap this new app. Do not ask!" What should you do?

Good friends can wait while you keep yourself safe.

8) When is it ok to use a new app?

Adults can check the app information and help you use it safely.

9) Which sentence shows the main idea of this lesson?

We want children to remember to include adults in app choices.

10) What is one big goal of this lesson?

The goal is to use apps safely with adults, not to avoid technology completely.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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