Good (and bad) news spreads quickly online, and without thinking ahead, kids can find themselves in tricky situations that have lasting consequences. The solution? Learning how to share with those they know and those they don’t.

Be a Smart Communicator

Encourage thoughtful sharing by treating online communication like face-to-face chats; if it’s not okay to say, it’s not okay to post.

Set up ground rules about what kind of communication is (and isn’t) ok.

Keep personal details about family and friends private.

It’s important to help kids know that people and situations online aren’t always what they look like. Knowing what’s real and what’s fake is a very real lesson in online safety.

Spot the Signs for Scams

If “winning” or getting something for “free” feels too good to be true, it probably is.

Fair exchanges shouldn’t require sharing any personal info.

Always think twice before you do something online and trust your gut feeling. Keep an eye out for phishing attempts—efforts to steal information like login or account details by pretending to be a trusted contact in an email, text, or other online communication.

Keeping your personal info safe and secure is just as important online as it is in real life. Protecting valuable information helps kids avoid damaging their devices, reputations, and relationships.

Create a Strong Password

Make it easy to remember, but avoid using personal information like names or birthdays.

Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.

R3pl@ce le++ers wit# sYmb0ls & n^mb3rs 1ike Thi$.

Change It Around

Don't use the same password across different sites.

Create a few different variations of the same password for different accounts.

The Internet is a powerful amplifier that can spread positivity or negativity. Kids can apply the basic rule of treating other people how they'd like to be treated to their online behaviours, creating a positive space for everyone and taking down bullies.

Lead by Example

Make the most of the Internet to share good vibes.

Help stop the spread of mean or untrue messages by not sharing them with others.

Respect Everyone’s Uniqueness

Be a Leader

Block mean or inappropriate trolls online.

Do your best to stand up for people being bullied.

Encourage other kids to stand up and report online bullies.

Here’s a lesson for all online situations: When kids see something that doesn’t feel right, they should feel safe chatting with a trusted adult. Adults can help by keeping the lines of communication open at home and in the classroom.

Encourage Internet Brave Behavior

Make sure everyone knows the family or classroom rules about using the internet and what happens if they don't follow the rules.

Keep the conversation flowing by checking in often and encouraging kids to ask questions.

Invite other trusted adults like teachers, coaches, counsellors, friends, and family to join the conversation.