Internet Safety Facts for KS2 (Key Stage 2)

Understanding how to stay safe online is crucial for children, especially as they start exploring the internet more frequently. Here are some key internet safety facts designed for KS2 students to help them navigate the online world safely.

1. Keep Personal Information Private

• Why it’s important: Sharing personal information like your full name, address, phone number, or school name can be risky. Strangers online may misuse this information.
• What to do: Only share personal information with people you know and trust, and ask a trusted adult if you’re unsure.

2. Use Strong Passwords

• Why it’s important: A strong password protects your accounts from being accessed by others.
• What to do: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easy-to-guess information like your name or “12345.”

3. Be Careful Who You Talk To

• Why it’s important: Not everyone online is who they say they are. Some people might pretend to be someone else.
• What to do: Only chat with people you know in real life. If someone you don’t know tries to contact you, tell a trusted adult.

4. Think Before You Click

• Why it’s important: Some links or attachments can contain viruses or take you to unsafe websites.
• What to do: Don’t click on links or download attachments from people or websites you don’t trust. If something looks suspicious, ask an adult.

5. Know How to Block and Report

• Why it’s important: Sometimes people might say mean things or behave badly online.
• What to do: Most websites and games have options to block and report bad behavior. If someone is upsetting you, use these tools and tell an adult.

6. Be Kind Online

• Why it’s important: Just like in real life, it’s important to be kind to others online. Bullying or being unkind online can hurt people’s feelings.
• What to do: Treat others how you want to be treated, and think about how your words might affect someone before you post or send a message.

7. Use Privacy Settings

• Why it’s important: Privacy settings help control who can see your information and posts.
• What to do: Check the privacy settings on websites, apps, and games to make sure you’re only sharing information with people you trust.

8. Ask for Help

• Why it’s important: Sometimes things online can be confusing or scary.
• What to do: If you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable or if you’re unsure about something, talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or guardian.

9. Don’t Believe Everything You See

• Why it’s important: Not everything on the internet is true. Some people post fake information or images to trick others.
• What to do: Check with an adult or a reliable source if you’re unsure whether something is true.

10. Log Out When You’re Done

• Why it’s important: Logging out of your accounts when you’re finished using them helps protect your information.
• What to do: Always log out, especially if you’re using a shared or public computer.