Staying Safe Lesson Plan Digital Shield Lesson Plan
Tier 3 Individual Support • Online Safety Series
10 Minutes
Objective
Introduce the concept of online safety by teaching a 4th-grade student how to spot suspicious behavior and avoid social media predators through targeted observation and discussion.
The "Why"
This lesson empowers the student with life-saving skills to recognize inappropriate online behavior, ensuring a safer and more confident digital experience.
Teacher Prep
Prep time: 3 minutes
Review the selected video ("Internet Safety Tips for Kids").
Familiarize yourself with common signs of social media predators.
Prepare a few discussion questions to reinforce key safety messages.
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction
2 Mins
Briefly explain the idea of online safety and why it's important.
Introduce the topic of social media predators in simple, non-frightening but clear terms.
2
Video Viewing
4 Mins
Play the video "Internet Safety Tips for Kids" .
Encourage the student to pay attention to key safety tips shared in the video.
3
Discussion and Recap
4 Mins
Discuss what the student learned from the video.
Ask questions such as "What should you do if someone online seems suspicious?"
Reinforce the importance of talking to a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable online.
Lesson Toolkit
Video Link Access
Safe Surf Slides
Online Radar Worksheet
Safety Mentor Guide
Safe Surf Slides Digital Shield Training
Outsmarting
Social Media Predators
Level 1: Staying Safe & Sound Online
The Digital Neighborhood
The internet is like a giant, busy city.
The Good Parts
Games, learning, and talking to real friends and family.
The Tricky Parts
Strangers who might not be who they say they are.
"Don't talk to strangers" applies online, too!
Training Video
Duration: 4 Minutes
Embedded media
Pay close attention to how the characters spot "Red Flags"!
Spotting Red Flags
What They Say...
"Don't tell your parents about our secret."
"I'll buy you that game skin if you send me a photo."
"You're my best friend, I'm the only one who understands you."
What They Ask...
Where do you live? Which school do you go to?
Can you send me a picture of yourself?
Can we move this chat to a private app?
What should you do if someone online makes you feel uncomfortable?
Stop Talking
Tell an Adult
Online Radar Worksheet Online Radar
Training Mission: Spot the Red Flags
Agent Name
________________________________________________
Date
____ / ____ / ____
Your Mission: Read the online scenarios below. Use your "Online Radar" to decide if the message is SAFE (green light) or a RED FLAG (danger!). For every Red Flag, write what you should do next.
Scenario 1
Username: GamerKing99
"Hey! I saw you playing Level 5. I have a secret code for infinite gold, but you can't tell your parents. Want it?"
SAFE
RED FLAG
My Safety Action:
Scenario 2
Username: AuntieSarah_82
"Hi sweetie! Hope your school project is going well. Send me a photo of your drawing when you're done!"
SAFE
RED FLAG
My Safety Action:
Scenario 3
Username: RobloxLover_X
"You seem so cool. I'm 10 years old too! Can we chat on Discord instead? It's more private there."
SAFE
RED FLAG
My Safety Action:
The Shield Promise
"If it feels weird, I'll clear it with a trusted adult."
Student Signature
Safety Mentor Guide Safety Mentor Guide
Teacher Resource • Tier 3 Individual Support
Key Talking Points
The "Stranger" Definition
Explain that online, a "stranger" is anyone you haven't met in the real world with your parents. Even if they talk to you every day or play the same games, they are still a stranger.
Grooming Red Flags
Predators often use Gifts (game currency/skins), Secrets ("Don't tell your mom"), and Flattery ("You're the best player ever") to gain trust.
The Exit Strategy
Teach the student they never have to be "polite" to someone who makes them uncomfortable. They can close the app or block the user without saying anything.
Deep-Dive Discussion
Discussion Prompts
"Why do you think someone might lie about their age or who they are on a game like Roblox?"
"If a stranger asks for a secret, does that feel like a fun game or a red flag? Why?"
"Who are three 'Trusted Adults' in your life you can talk to right now if something feels weird?"
Common Student Misconceptions
Misconception
"I'll get in trouble if I tell my parents I was talking to a stranger."
Safety Response
Reassure the student that their safety is the priority. The focus is on the predator's bad behavior, not the student's curiosity.
Misconception
"They sent me a picture of themselves, so I know they are a kid."
Safety Response
Explain that photos can be stolen from the internet. A predator can use a picture of anyone to trick others.
Lesson Wrap-Up Checklist
Student can name 1 red flag Student knows "Stop & Tell"
Online Radar Answer Key Answer Key
Online Radar Worksheet
Scenario 1
"Hey! I saw you playing Level 5. I have a secret code for infinite gold, but you can't tell your parents. Want it?"
RED FLAG
Why it's a Red Flag:
The user is asking the student to keep a secret from their parents. This is a primary grooming technique used by predators.
Expected Safety Action:
Stop talking immediately, don't reply, and tell a trusted adult (parent/teacher) about the message.
Scenario 2
"Hi sweetie! Hope your school project is going well. Send me a photo of your drawing when you're done!"
SAFE
Why it's Safe:
The user is identified as "Auntie Sarah," a known family member . She is asking about a school project, which is appropriate for a family member.
Expected Safety Action:
The student can reply normally or show the picture as requested, as this is a trusted real-life connection.
Scenario 3
"You seem so cool. I'm 10 years old too! Can we chat on Discord instead? It's more private there."
RED FLAG
Why it's a Red Flag:
The user is a stranger trying to move the conversation to a more private platform (Discord) and is claiming to be the same age (common deception tactic).
Expected Safety Action:
Do not move to a private app. Tell an adult and consider blocking the user on the current game/app.
Observation Checklist
Correctly identified both Red Flags
Identified "Telling an Adult" as an action
Understands why "Secrets" are dangerous
Knows photos can be deceptive