💛 SELGrade 4Lesson 21
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Online Safety Decisions

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

  • 1Explain the importance of online safety rules
  • 2Identify types of online risks and how to avoid them
  • 3Sort online behaviors into safe and unsafe categories
  • 4Match online risks to the correct safe responses
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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 name, address, birthday, or phone number.
  • 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, comments, or posts about you or others.
  • Unsafe content — images, videos, or websites that are inappropriate or disturbing.
  • Phishing — fake messages that try to get your password or personal details.
  • Screen addiction — spending so much time online that it affects sleep, study, and relationships.

What to Do if Something Feels Wrong

  1. Stop — do not respond to the message or click any link.
  2. Tell — speak to a trusted adult right away.
  3. Block and report — use the block/report button on the app or website.
Online Safety RulesOnline Safety RulesNever share personal informationUse a nickname, not your real nameNever meet someone you know only onlineBe kind — cyberbullying hurtsTell a trusted adult if uncomfortable
What to Do if Something Feels WrongWhat to Do if Something Feels Wrong1. STOPDo not respond or click any link2. TELLSpeak to a trusted adult right away3. BLOCKUse block/report on the app
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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.

Vocabulary
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 gain access to an account — never share it.
report
To tell a trusted adult or use an app's safety feature to flag harmful content.
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← Lesson 20: Handle Peer Pressure WiselyLesson 22: Respect Home and Community Rules →