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Chapter 5: Staying Safe and Smart Online

Staying Safe and Smart Online 🛡️

Section titled “Staying Safe and Smart Online 🛡️”

Protecting Yourself and Being Kind

The internet is a great place, but you need to stay safe — just like you look both ways before crossing the street. Let’s learn the safety rules every smart tech user knows.

5.1 — Strong Passwords 🔐

Section titled “5.1 — Strong Passwords 🔐”

A passwordpassword: A secret word or phrase that keeps your account safe, so only you can get in. is a secret that keeps your account safe. A strong password is:

  • Long — a phrase like HappyBlueTiger9 is great.
  • Secret — never share it, except with a trusted grown-up.
  • Different for different accounts.

A grown-up might use a password manager to remember them all, or a fingerprint or face to log in.

5.2 — Spotting Tricks 🎣

Section titled “5.2 — Spotting Tricks 🎣”

Some messages try to trick you. This is called phishingphishing: A trick message that pretends to be someone you trust to get your password or private information. — a fake message pretending to be someone you trust. Watch out for:

  • Messages that try to scare you or say “hurry!”
  • Anyone asking for your password.
  • Links you weren’t expecting.

The rule: slow down and tell a grown-up. Real helpers never rush you or ask for your password.

5.3 — Your Digital Footprint 👣

Section titled “5.3 — Your Digital Footprint 👣”

Everything you do online leaves a digital footprintdigital footprint: The trail you leave online from the things you post and do — it can last a long time. — like footprints in the sand, but they don’t wash away! Things you post can last a long time and other people can see them. So before you post, think: Would I be okay if my teacher and my grandma saw this?

5.4 — Being Kind Online 💛

Section titled “5.4 — Being Kind Online 💛”

The most important rule online is the same as in real life: be kind. There’s a real person on the other side of every screen. Use kind words, don’t share other people’s private things, and if someone is being mean, tell a trusted adult.

Chapter 5 Activity: Safety Superhero 🔍

Section titled “Chapter 5 Activity: Safety Superhero 🔍”

Part 1: Build a Password

Section titled “Part 1: Build a Password”

Make up a strong password (don’t use a real one!). Make it long and fun to remember. Why is it strong?

Part 2: Spot the Trick

Section titled “Part 2: Spot the Trick”

Draw or describe a trick message. What are two clues that it’s a trick? What would you do?

Part 3: Think Before You Post

Section titled “Part 3: Think Before You Post”

Draw two pictures: one thing that’s okay to share online, and one thing that should stay private.

Key Concepts Checklist

Section titled “Key Concepts Checklist”
  • I can make a password that is long and secret
  • I know not to share my password (except with a trusted grown-up)
  • I can spot a trick (phishing) message
  • I know to slow down and tell a grown-up about scary messages
  • I know my digital footprint can last a long time
  • I think before I post about who might see it
  • I know to be kind online because there’s a real person on the other side