People online may be unfamiliar

Learning goal: Ask a helper before responding to an unfamiliar online person.

Prepare: One worksheet per child, pencils or crayons, and the linked book pages. A closed book can stand in for a device. No student account or device is needed.

Book connection: Cyber Safety Coloring & Activity Book Featuring Officer Quackers, PDF pages 31, 43. Numbers are PDF positions, including blank backs.

Teach the lesson

1. 3 min · Connect

   Read: A game character has a friendly picture. Does the picture tell us who is behind it?

2. 4 min · Model and say

   Say: We cannot know someone just from a name or picture. A familiar name also does not make every request safe.

3. 8 min · Practice together

   Read page 31. Show three invented names on the board without photos. Students rehearse asking a helper before responding, not guessing who looks safe. Read the worksheet aloud and let children respond by pointing, speaking, circling, or drawing. Use optional coloring only if time allows.

4. 3 min · Discuss

   Invite two different responses. Ask: What would you do? Why could that help? Use the answer guide on the next page.

5. 2 min · Check understanding

   Ask: Can a nice-looking picture replace asking a grown-up? Listen for no.

Answers & follow-through

Worksheet guidance

1. Does a friendly game picture prove who someone is?

   No. Names and pictures are not proof of identity.

2. An unfamiliar player wants a private chat. I…

   Pause and ask a trusted adult.

3. Draw yourself asking about a message.

   Look for help-seeking rather than trying to investigate alone.

Check, then respond

Ask: Can a nice-looking picture replace asking a grown-up? Listen for no.

Mark your observation: □ Independent   □ With a prompt   □ Needs practice. If a child needs practice, demonstrate the same action again and offer a new example in the next class. This is a teaching check, not a safety certification.

Make it work for your learners

Support: Read aloud, point to two choices, model one response, and accept a gesture, spoken answer, drawing, or partner scribe. Do not require independent reading.

Extend: Ask the child to invent one new pretend situation for today’s goal and explain a safe response to a partner.

Family conversation

Discuss the difference between knowing someone in person and seeing a name online.

No personal information or signed homework needs to be returned.

Teacher care note

Use fictional situations. Do not collect passwords, addresses, or private experiences. Offer an alternative to role-play. If a child shares a concern, listen calmly, avoid public questioning, and follow school procedures.