π― Learning Objectives
- β
Students will be able to recognize what constitutes personal information.
- π‘οΈ Students will understand the importance of thinking before sharing information online.
- π Students will learn how to create strong and secure passwords.
- βοΈ Students will identify basic privacy settings and their purpose.
- π£οΈ Students will know when and how to seek help from a trusted adult regarding online safety.
π οΈ Materials Needed
- whiteboard or large paper
- π Markers or pens
- π» Handout with scenarios (provided in assessment)
- π A small, opaque box (for warm-up activity)
π Warm-up Activity (5 mins): The 'Secret Box' Game
Instructions: Show the students a small, opaque box. Explain that inside are some 'secrets'. Ask them if they would immediately open the box and tell everyone what's inside, or if they'd first think about whose secrets they are and if they should be shared. This introduces the concept of privacy and personal information in a tangible way.
- π Introduce the 'Secret Box' to spark curiosity.
- π€« Facilitate a discussion about keeping secrets and privacy.
π‘ Main Instruction: Teaching Data Privacy
π What is Personal Information?
Explain that personal information is anything that can identify them or their family. Use relatable examples.
- π Discuss their full name and nickname.
- π Talk about their home address and where they live.
- π Explain their phone number and how it connects them.
- π Mention their birthday and age.
- πΈ Show how photos and videos can also be personal.
- π Emphasize that some information is private and should not be shared with strangers.
π€ Thinking Before Sharing Online
Introduce simple rules for what to share and what not to share online.
- π΅ Introduce the 'Grandma Rule': Would you be comfortable showing this to your grandma or a trusted adult?
- β³ Explain the 'Forever Rule': Once something is online, it's very hard to take it back. It can stay there forever.
- π Discuss why sharing too much can be risky (e.g., strangers knowing where they are).
- πΌοΈ Talk about sharing photos β only share ones where everyone in the picture agrees.
π Creating Strong Passwords
Teach them the basics of creating a password that's hard for others to guess.
- π Explain that a password is like a secret key to their online accounts.
- π’ Emphasize using a mix of letters (both big and small), numbers, and symbols.
- π Suggest making passwords long, like a secret phrase rather than a single word.
- π€― Advise against using easy-to-guess information like their name, birthday, or pet's name.
- π« Stress the importance of never sharing their passwords with anyone, even best friends.
βοΈ Understanding Privacy Settings
Introduce the idea that apps and websites have settings to control who sees their information.
- π± Explain that many apps and games ask for 'permission' to see things on their device.
- β
Teach them to always ask a trusted adult before clicking 'Allow' on any permission request.
- π§ Show examples of privacy settings (e.g., on a parent's phone, if appropriate and with permission) to illustrate how they work.
- π§βπ€βπ§ Explain that these settings help decide who can see their posts, photos, or even where they are.
π When to Ask for Help
Empower them to seek help if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe online.
- π¨ Teach them to recognize uncomfortable feelings β if something feels 'icky' or 'wrong', it probably is.
- β Encourage them to ask questions if they don't understand something online.
- π£οΈ Identify trusted adults: Parents, guardians, teachers, school counselors.
- π¨ Reassure them that it's always okay to tell an adult, no matter what.
π Assessment: Practice Scenarios
Present the following scenarios and discuss with students how they would respond. This can be done individually, in small groups, or as a class discussion.
- π A new online game asks for your full name, exact birthday, and home address to create an account. What should you do?
- π€ Your best friend asks for your password to their favorite online game so they can play for you. What's the safest response?
- πΈ Someone you don't know posts an embarrassing picture of you online that you didn't want shared. What's your first step?
- π² An app you just downloaded asks for permission to access your phone's camera and microphone. Should you click 'Allow' right away?
- βοΈ You need to create a new password for an educational website. What kind of password would be strong and safe?
- π¬ You receive a message from a stranger online who wants to know where you live and what school you go to. How should you react?
- π§ A website says you need a parent's email to sign up. Why do they ask for this, and what should you do?