Staying Safe Online

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class: Year 5 (age 9-10)
Class size: 30 students
Subject: Technology (Computing)
Focus: Online safety – understanding how to protect oneself online, recognising online bullying and safe communication through interactive, creative activities.

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National Curriculum Links

This lesson addresses the following computing curriculum objectives for Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) in England:

• Computing – Key Stage 2:

  • Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
    (National Curriculum, Computing, KS2, Programmes of Study)

• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education):

  • How to recognise and respond to risks including online risks.
    (Relationships Education, Health Education statutory guidance, DfE)

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe key ways to stay safe when using an iPad or other devices online.
2. Identify online risks including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and unsafe communication.
3. Explain correct actions to take to report or avoid online dangers.
4. Creatively demonstrate understanding of online safety by designing an iPad safety poster including words and images.

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Resources

• iPad template worksheet (printed for each pupil) – an outline of an iPad screen for poster creation
• Colouring materials: markers, coloured pencils, crayons
• Printed short story (see Details section)
• Video: Age-appropriate online safety video (e.g. a cartoon explaining internet safety in an engaging way, approx. 5 mins)
• Whiteboard or projector for class discussion
• Projector or screen to show video
• Vocabulary word bank with keywords: privacy, password, stranger, block, report, cyberbullying, safe, trust, communicate

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage and set context:
  Begin with an open question: “How many of you use an iPad or similar device at home?”
  “Why do you think it’s important to stay safe when we’re online?”

• Brief discussion to activate prior knowledge around online safety experiences.

• Introduce learning goals: Explain that by the end of today, children will understand how to stay safe online and show their learning by creating a poster.

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2. Video & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Play a 5-minute online safety video targeting age-appropriate content: highlighting protecting personal information, safe communication, recognising cyberbullying, and asking for help.

• Class discussion: Ask comprehension questions:

  • What are the main risks shown in the video?
  • What should you do if someone is unkind online?
  • Why is it important not to share passwords or personal details?

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3. Story Exploration – Identifying Mistakes and Good Choices (15 minutes)

• Hand out the short printed story (see below).
• In pairs, pupils read and underline or highlight errors/mistakes made by the protagonist.
• As a whole class, discuss:
  • What did Tom do wrong?
  • What were the safer choices Tom could have made?
  • How did Tom respond to bullying, and was it the right way?

Example Short Story for Pupils:

Tom’s Online Adventure
Tom loved playing games on his tablet and chatting with friends. One day, he shared his home address online to join a game group. When a stranger sent him a message asking for pictures, Tom felt unsure and didn’t tell anyone. After a while, some children in the game started calling Tom names and sending mean messages. Tom replied with angry words and kept playing. Eventually, his mum helped him block the bullies and report the messages. Tom learned to keep his details private and only talk to people he knows.

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4. Creative Poster Task (20 minutes)

• Explain the task: Pupils will create a colourful iPad safety poster on the iPad template sheet, using words and pictures that show how to stay safe online.

• Encourage them to include:

  • Safe behaviours (e.g., “Use strong passwords”)
  • Warnings (e.g., “Don’t talk to strangers”)
  • Actions they can take if they feel unsafe (e.g., “Tell an adult”, “Block and report bullies”)
  • Positive messages about kindness and respect online

• Walk around to offer guidance and support.

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5. Sharing & Plenary (5 minutes)

• Invite up to 5 pupils to briefly share their poster with the class.
• Recap the top 3 safety tips highlighted across posters.
• Reinforce key messages: staying safe is everyone’s responsibility and they should always ask for help if unsure.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observations during pair work (story), class discussion, and poster creation to assess understanding.
• Summative: Evaluate posters against a checklist:
  • Inclusion of at least 3 correct safety tips
  • Understanding of reporting/blocking functions
  • Use of supportive language to discourage bullying

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Inclusive Practice & Differentiation

• Provide printed vocabulary word bank for EAL or less confident writers.
• Allow drawing or labelling instead of full sentences for pupils with writing difficulties.
• Encourage all pupils to contribute verbally during discussions and partner work.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a digital version of the poster using a simple app or software for cross-media skills.
• Role-play scenarios depicting online bullying — discuss appropriate responses.
• Encourage children to take their posters home to share with family and start a wider dialogue about online safety.

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This lesson builds digital resilience, critical thinking, and creative communication, empowering pupils to navigate the online world confidently and responsibly.