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Online safety & privacy
Students share more than they realize, and the internet rarely forgets. A few concrete habits protect their accounts, their information, and their future selves.
Frame it as power, not fear
"Privacy" lands better as "controlling your own story" than as a list of scary warnings. Students engage when it's about their reputation and choices.
The core habits
| Habit | What to teach |
|---|---|
| Strong, unique passwords | Long passphrases; never reuse; never share (even with friends). |
| Think before you post | Anything posted can be copied, screenshotted, and resurface years later. |
| Guard personal info | Full name, address, school, phone, location — don't share publicly. |
| Check privacy settings | Default to private; know who can see your posts and location. |
| Pause on strangers & links | Don't click unknown links or chat with strangers; tell an adult if unsure. |
The "digital footprint" lesson that sticks
- Search your own name together (or a made-up student) and discuss what shows up.
- Ask: "Would you be comfortable if a coach, a college, or your grandma saw this?"
- Have students draft their own "posting rules" — ownership beats a handed-down list.
When something goes wrong: kindness & reporting
Give students a simple, repeatable response to mean or unsafe behavior online:
STOP — don't respond in anger SAVE — screenshot it (evidence) BLOCK — block the person TELL — tell a trusted adult
Your legal duty
If a student discloses abuse, exploitation, or a serious threat, you are a mandated reporter — follow your school's reporting procedure immediately. Also mind COPPA/FERPA: don't sign students up for tools that aren't district-approved for their age.
Next
Safety includes not being fooled — see Spotting misinformation.