Staying Safe Online

Lesson Overview

This 30-minute SPHE lesson for 5th and 6th class students focuses on online safety, promoting responsible digital behaviour, awareness of risks, and an introduction to AI in an age-appropriate way. The session incorporates interactive, scenario-based discussions and creative activities aligned with the Irish Primary School Curriculum: Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and relevant digital safety competencies from the IE Curriculum framework.

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Curriculum Links

Strand: Myself and the Wider World
Strand Unit: Safety and Protection – Staying Safe
Learning Objectives:

• Recognise safe and unsafe situations in daily life, including online environments.
• Develop skills to protect themselves both physically and emotionally.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for help or advice.
• Understand basic concepts of responsible use of technology.

Skills Developed:

• Critical thinking and decision-making (Competence in identifying risky online situations).
• Communication skills (Expressing feelings and ideas about safety).
• Creativity (Creating visual safety reminders).
• Awareness of emerging technologies (Basic understanding of AI).

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Learning Intentions

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Identify different online scenarios that involve risks or safe choices.
• Discuss feelings and appropriate responses to online situations.
• Create a simple, informative poster promoting online safety.
• Understand a basic explanation of AI and its potential online impact.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard / flipchart and markers
• Printed scenario cards (5 different online safety situations)
• A3 sheets and coloring materials (markers, crayons)
• Smartboard or projector (optional for AI illustration)

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking, “What do we do every day on the internet?”
• Generate a short list of common online activities (games, chatting, watching videos).
• Introduce the topic: “Today, we’re going to think about how to stay safe while having fun online.”
• Briefly mention AI: “There are smart computers called AI that help us, but we also have to be careful with them.”

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2. Scenario Exploration (12 minutes)

• Divide the class into 5 small groups (3 students each).

• Give each group one scenario card with an online safety situation. Example scenarios:

  1. Receiving a message from someone you don’t know.
  2. Seeing a pop-up asking for your personal details.
  3. Playing an online game and someone is being mean in chat.
  4. Finding information or pictures online that make you uncomfortable.
  5. Asking a voice assistant (AI) for help with homework.

• Each group reads their scenario and discusses these questions:

  • What is happening?
  • Is this situation safe or unsafe? Why?
  • What would you do? Who would you ask for help?

• Groups share their answers with the class, reinforcing safe choices and trusted adults.

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3. Creative Poster Activity (10 minutes)

• Explain that each group will now design a colourful poster with tips for staying safe online.

• Poster content suggestions:

  • “Don’t share your password.”
  • “Tell a grown-up if something feels strange.”
  • “Be kind in chats.”
  • “Ask before using AI tools.”
  • “Keep your personal info private.”

• Circulate and support as they design, encouraging clear visuals and messages.

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4. Wrap-up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Ask volunteers to display their posters and explain the key safety message.
• Recap with a quick quiz: “Which one is NOT safe online behaviour?” (Give multiple-choice examples.)
• Reiterate the importance of asking trusted adults if unsure.

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Assessment and Follow-up

• Formative assessment through observation of group discussions and poster messages.
• Evaluate understanding by listening to scenarios analysis and poster explanations.
• Optional follow-up: Create a “Safety Pledge” wall in class incorporating children’s poster tips.
• Include a brief session later in the term expanding on AI and digital citizenship.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Emphasise positive online habits rather than fear-based messaging.
• Adapt scenarios for emerging trends or specific class concerns.
• Use appropriate language aligned with SPHE vocabulary for this age.
• Consider linking this lesson with other strands such as Media Education or Wellbeing in future lessons.

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This lesson plan capitalises on active learning and creativity while meeting the Irish Curriculum’s core goals for SPHE, promoting safety and awareness in the digital age.