Digital Safety: Think Before You Click

WHAT IS DIGITAL SAFETY?

Digital safety means making safer choices when you use phones, tablets, computers, games, apps, websites and other online services.

You may use a family device, a school device, an online game or an app with adult support. Wherever you are online, one simple habit can help:

STOP → THINK → CHECK

Before you click, share or reply, pause and think. If you are unsure, check with a trusted adult.

KEEP PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVATE

Personal information is information about you.

This can include:

• Your full name
• Your home address
• Your school details
• Your phone number
• Your passwords
• Your location
• Private photographs

Do not share personal information online without checking with a trusted adult first.

Different situations may call for different information. The important habit is:

Before you share personal information, STOP and CHECK with a trusted adult.

KEEP PASSWORDS PRIVATE

Passwords are private.

• Do not share your passwords with friends.
• Do not enter a password into an unfamiliar link or website.
• If something unexpectedly asks for your account information, stop and ask a responsible adult for help.

You do not have to work out what a strange request means by yourself.

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

Sometimes a message, pop-up, link, download, offer or prize may look interesting or exciting.

Before clicking, pause.

Ask yourself:

Was I expecting this?
Do I know where it came from?
Have I checked with a trusted adult?

If something looks strange or unexpected:

STOP → DON’T CLICK → ASK A TRUSTED ADULT

NOT EVERYONE ONLINE IS WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE

People online may use names, photographs or information that do not tell the whole story.

So:

• Do not assume that an online contact is a real-life friend.
• Do not share private information with them.
• Do not agree to meet someone you know only from the internet.
• Tell a trusted adult.

Following family rules about online communication helps you make safer choices.

WHEN A MESSAGE MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE

Tell a trusted adult if:

• Someone asks you to keep an online conversation secret.
• Someone asks for personal information or photographs.
• Someone sends something upsetting or inappropriate.
• Someone pressures you to do something.
• Something online makes you feel worried or confused.

You will not be in trouble for asking for help.

Even if you have already clicked, replied or made a mistake, tell a trusted adult. Asking for help is a safe and responsible choice.

BE KIND ONLINE

Safety also means treating people with respect.

• Use respectful words.
• Do not bully or tease others.
• Do not forward embarrassing content.
• Do not share another person’s private information or photographs without appropriate permission.

If someone is being unkind online, tell a trusted adult rather than responding with more harmful behaviour.

SCREEN TIME AND REAL LIFE

Digital activities are only one part of your day.

Make time for:

• Sleep
• Schoolwork
• Exercise
• Family time
• Outdoor play
• Other activities you enjoy

Follow your family’s rules about devices and screen time. A balanced routine helps make room for both digital activities and everyday life.

WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG

Mistakes can happen.

If you accidentally:

• Click a strange link
• Download something unexpected
• Reply to a suspicious message
• Share information by mistake

Do not panic.

Stop interacting and tell a trusted adult.

Do not try to investigate, repair or fix a digital problem by yourself. A responsible adult can help you decide what to do next.

ONLINE AND OFFLINE FRIENDS

Online communication can feel friendly, but that does not automatically mean someone online is a trusted real-life friend.

Follow your family’s rules about who you communicate with online.

If someone you know only online wants to meet you in person, do not agree to meet them on your own. Tell a responsible adult and let the adult help decide what happens next.

ASK BEFORE YOU SHARE

Use this simple decision process:

STOP

Pause before you click, reply or share.

THINK

Ask:

• What am I sharing?
• Who will see it?
• Do I know this person?
• Does this seem expected and appropriate?

CHECK

Ask a trusted adult if you are unsure.

STOP → THINK → CHECK WITH A TRUSTED ADULT

REMEMBER

STOP

Pause before you click, reply or share.

THINK

Consider what is happening and whether something feels unusual or uncomfortable.

CHECK WITH A TRUSTED ADULT

You do not have to handle confusing online situations alone.

If something feels confusing, uncomfortable or unsafe, tell a trusted adult.

ASK YOURSELF

1. Why is it a good idea to check before clicking an unexpected link?
2. What kinds of information about yourself should you keep private unless you have checked with a trusted adult?
3. What would you do if someone online asked you to keep a secret from your parents or another trusted adult?
4. Who could you talk to if something online made you feel uncomfortable, worried or confused?

PARENT / TEACHER TIP

Encourage children and adults to agree on simple family rules about devices, apps, online communication and asking for help.

Discuss examples together and practise the habit:

STOP → THINK → CHECK WITH A TRUSTED ADULT

The goal is to help children feel comfortable telling an adult when something goes wrong, including when they have made a mistake.