Lesson Overview
| Duration | 45 minutes |
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| Key Stage | KS2 (Years 3-6) |
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| Subject Links | PSHE, Citizenship, SMSC |
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| Resources Needed | Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation slides |
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Learning Objectives
- Understand what personal information is and why we should never share it online
- Know that people online are not always who they say they are
- Understand that a digital footprint lasts forever
- Feel confident telling a trusted adult if something online upsets or worries them
- Know how to use the internet safely and kindly
Key Information
- Children in the UK spend an average of 3-4 hours online every day
- 1 in 4 children have seen something online that upset or worried them
- Most children who are contacted by strangers online do not tell an adult
- A photo or message posted online can last forever — even if you delete it
Legal Framework
- It is illegal for someone to contact a child online for sexual purposes
- Sharing someone's private photos without permission is illegal
- Cyberbullying can be a criminal offence
- Adults who pretend to be children online to make friends with real children are breaking the law
Lesson Plan
5 mins Starter
Ask: who would you tell a secret to? Discuss the idea of trust and why we are more careful with some information than others.
10 mins Personal Information
What counts as personal information? (Name, school, address, photo, phone number.) Why shouldn't we share it online? Use a simple scenario.
10 mins Are They Who They Say They Are?
Explain that people online can pretend to be someone they're not. Role-play: an online 'friend' asks for your photo. What do you do?
10 mins Digital Footprints
Demonstrate that things you do online leave traces. Even deleted things can remain. Use age-appropriate analogy: muddy footprints.
10 mins Tell Someone
Create a class charter: 'If something online upsets or worries me, I will...' Emphasise no judgment, always safe to tell.
5 mins Plenary
Pupils decorate their own 'online safety shield' with their key rules.
⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations
- Children may disclose contact from adults online — follow safeguarding procedures immediately
- Be alert to children who are unusually upset or anxious around technology
- Do not ask a child to show you messages or content if they disclose online contact — refer to DSL
If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.
Key Messages
- Never share personal information online — name, school, address, or photos
- People online are not always who they say they are
- Digital footprints are permanent — think before you post
- If something online upsets or worries you, tell a trusted adult
- You will never be in trouble for asking for help
Support Resources
| Organisation | Contact | Purpose |
|---|
| Childline | 0800 1111 | 24/7 support for young people |
| Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111 | 100% anonymous reporting |
| CEOP | ceop.police.uk | Report online exploitation |
| NSPCC | 0808 800 5000 | Child protection advice |
| Emergency | 999 | Immediate danger |