Today in class we took part in Safer Internet Day and learned all about how to stay safe online. We talked about what personal information is and why it’s important to keep it private when using the internet and apps.
Some websites may ask for our personal information, such as Roblox asking for our date of birth. We discussed how this can be okay when it is needed in order to use a website or app safely. However, we learned that we must always tell a trusted adult if we are asked to give information like this and never share personal details without permission.
We also explored misinformation and disinformation, learning that not everything we see online is true and how to think carefully before believing or sharing information. We discussed ways to check whether information is reliable and trustworthy.
Another important focus was how to be respectful online. We shared ideas about being kind, using appropriate language and thinking about how our words and actions can affect others. We agreed that if you wouldn’t say it to the person’s face, you shouldn’t be saying it online.
Finally, we discussed different strategies to stay safe online, including using strong passwords, keeping personal information private and telling a trusted adult if something online makes us feel worried or uncomfortable.
Help at home: Talk about personal information. When might a website need it? Who could you ask if you’re not sure?