5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Common Sense Media

This concise, animated video introduces five fundamental rules for staying safe online, specifically tailored for elementary-aged children. Through simple animations and clear narration, it covers critical topics including protecting personal information, stranger danger, password security, malware prevention, and how to handle uncomfortable digital interactions. The video uses approachable metaphors, such as comparing a computer virus to getting physically sick from a mystery drink, to make abstract concepts understandable for young viewers. Key themes include digital citizenship, privacy, cybersecurity basics, and communication. The video emphasizes the importance of parental guidance, encouraging children to keep passwords shared only with parents and to seek adult help if they encounter mean or strange messages. It establishes a baseline of "rules of the road" for young internet users who are beginning to explore the digital world independently. For educators, this video serves as an excellent hook or anchor for a broader unit on Digital Citizenship. Its short format makes it easy to digest, while the distinct numbering of tips allows teachers to pause and discuss each point individually. It provides a non-threatening entry point to discuss serious topics like cyberbullying and online predation, empowering students with actionable strategies rather than fear.