💻 TechnologyLevel 1Lesson 16
← Back🔒 PDF with full access

Report Strange Online Behavior to an Adult

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Recognize strange or unsafe online behavior
  • 2Say who to tell and what to do when something feels wrong online
  • 3Explain why reporting keeps me safe
📘

Mini Lesson

Sometimes while using an app or the internet, something might feel strange, scary, or just not right. That feeling is important — it is your brain telling you to stop and get help. You should never try to handle it alone!

What counts as strange online behavior?

  • A message from someone you do not know asking where you live or what park you play at.
  • Someone online who asks you to keep a secret from your parents or other grown-ups.
  • A pop-up or message that makes you feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable.
  • Someone pretending to be a friend but asking for personal information or photos.
  • Content that shows something mean, violent, or upsetting that you did not ask to see.

What to do right away

  • Stop — do not reply, click, or share anything.
  • Close the app or screen if you can.
  • Tell a trusted adult immediately — a parent, guardian, or grandparent.
  • Show them the message or screen if it is still there so they can help.

Who to tell

  • At home: a parent or guardian.
  • Away from home: the grown-up in charge, like a coach or librarian.
  • Remember — telling an adult is never telling tales. It is being brave and smart.
Three-step response to strange online behavior: Stop, Close, TellThree large color-coded boxes stacked vertically. Red: Stop — do not reply or click. Orange: Close — close the app or screen. Green: Tell — tell a trusted adult right away.STOPDo not reply, click, or share anythingCLOSEClose the app or screen if you canTELLTell a trusted adult right away
The three-step response to strange online behavior — Stop (do not reply), Close (the app), Tell (a trusted adult).
Examples of strange online behavior and who to tellLeft column lists examples of strange online behavior. Right column shows who to tell: parent or guardian at home, the grown-up in charge away from home.Strange behaviorStranger asks where you liveAsked to keep secrets onlineScary or upsetting pop-upSomeone asks for your photoWho to tellAt homeParent or guardianright awayAway from homeCoach, librarian, orgrown-up in chargeTelling an adult is brave and smart!
Four examples of strange online behavior alongside who to tell — a parent or guardian at home, the grown-up in charge away from home.
💡

Ask yourself: "Does this message or screen make me feel worried or uncomfortable? If yes — stop, close, and tell a trusted adult.

Vocabulary
Report
To tell a trusted adult about something that feels wronge.g. I report any strange messages right away.
Trusted adult
A grown-up like a parent or grandparent who helps keep you safee.g. If something feels wrong, I find a trusted adult.
Uncomfortable
Feeling not safe or not good about somethinge.g. The pop-up made me feel uncomfortable.
Stranger
A person you do not knowe.g. I do not chat with strangers online.
Pop-up
A box that suddenly appears on the screene.g. I closed the pop-up and told my mom.
Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.

  • ✓ All 1,680 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
  • ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
  • ✓ Printable lessons with answer key
Start your 7-day free trial →
Already convinced? See full membership plans →
← Lesson 15: Use Passwords Safely With HelpLesson 17: Understand That Some Computers Can Learn (AI) →