Tools for kids

Explain to students that the Internet is a public place (like the store, the neighbourhood, the playground or going to someone’s house).
Explain to students what the Internet is and what it can be used for.
Teach students what is meant by personal information and where on the Internet they may be asked for it.
Discuss with students appropriate and inappropriate touching.
Teach students the difference between ‘keep’ and ‘speak’ secrets. A ‘keep’ secret is harmless and will eventually come out, like a surprise party. A ‘speak’ secret is one that kids are told to never tell and makes them uncomfortable, like someone showing them sexually explicit pictures. They need to tell a safe adult about ‘speak’ secrets.
Teach students personal safety strategies that focus on what to do versus what not to do such as the Buddy System, root safety strategies, “if asked to go and your parents don’t know —shout No,” “if asked to share and your parents aren’t aware- say no,” trust your instincts, etc.
If students feel scared about learning personal safety, provide reassurance and take time to answer their questions, it is common for kids to personalize events. They will look to their teachers for how to process the personal safety information. They need to feel that they are safe.