Stay Safe Online
The internet is amazing — but it has dangers too. Learn smart rules, test yourself with scenarios, and build safe habits that protect you online every day.
Internet Safety Rules
Learn the SMART rules and 10 key rules that keep you safe online every day.
The SMART Rules for Internet Safety
Five words to remember — one for each letter. They cover the most important ways to stay safe online.
S
Safe
Keep personal information safe. Never share your name, address, school, phone or photos with strangers online.
M
Meet
Never meet up with someone you've only known online — they may not be who they say they are.
A
Accept
Don't accept emails, files, messages or friend requests from people you don't know in real life.
R
Reliable
Not everything online is true. Check with a trusted adult or a reliable source before believing information.
T
Tell
Always tell a trusted adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused.
💡 How to remember SMART:
Say it out loud: "Stay Safe, never Meet, don't Accept, be Reliable, always Tell." Say it three times and you'll never forget it!
Keep Passwords Private
Never share your password with anyone — not even your best friend. Only parents should know it.
💡 Use a different password for each account.
Never Share Personal Info
Don't give your full name, school, address, phone number or photos to strangers online.
💡 Even your favourite sports team or birthday can reveal who you are.
Online Strangers Aren't Always Safe
Someone who seems kind and friendly online could be pretending. Always tell a parent.
💡 People online can lie about their age, name and location.
Think Before You Post
Once a photo or message is posted online, you cannot fully remove it. Ask a parent first.
💡 Ask: "Would I be happy if Grandma saw this?"
Don't Click Unknown Links
Strange links in messages or emails can be traps — they can steal your information or harm your device.
💡 When in doubt, don't click. Show a parent instead.
Cyberbullying Is Not Okay
Being mean online hurts just as much as in person. Never bully, and always report it when you see it.
💡 If you see someone being bullied online, show a trusted adult.
Tell a Trusted Adult
If anything online makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused — tell Mummy, Papa or a teacher immediately.
💡 You will never get in trouble for telling a trusted adult.
Balance Your Screen Time
Too much screen time affects your eyes, sleep, mood and social skills. Take breaks, play outside and read.
💡 Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 mins, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Only Approved Websites & Apps
Only visit websites and use apps your parents have approved. Always ask before downloading anything new.
💡 Free apps sometimes have hidden costs or unsafe content.
Be Kind Online
Treat everyone online exactly as you would treat them in real life — with kindness, care and respect.
💡 Kind words online can make someone's whole day.
Test Your Knowledge — Scenarios
30 real-life situations. Choose the right action, learn from feedback and earn stars!
0 / 0 correct
Situation 1 of 30
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Password Safety
A strong password is your first defence. Learn to create and protect passwords that keep accounts safe.
🔍 Check How Strong Your Password Is
Type a password above to check its strength
🔒 What is a strong password?
A strong password is long (8+ characters), uses a mix of UPPER and lower case letters, numbers (0-9) and symbols (!@#$%). It does NOT contain your name, birthday or the word "password".
⚠️ Remember:
This tool never saves your password — it only checks the strength in your browser. Never type your real passwords into websites you don't trust!
✅ Good Password Habits
Use 12 or more characters
Mix letters, numbers and symbols
Use a passphrase: "PurpleCat@Sky9!"
Use a different password for each account
Change passwords every few months
Use a password manager (with parent help)
Enable two-step verification if available
❌ Bad Password Habits
Using your name or birthday
Simple words like "password" or "123456"
Sharing your password with friends
Writing it in a visible place
Using the same password everywhere
Entering passwords on public Wi-Fi
Saving passwords in a chat or note
💡 A Great Password Trick:
Think of a sentence you'll remember: "I love playing cricket at 5pm!" → Take the first letters + numbers + punctuation → "IlpCa5pm!" — strong and easy to remember!
🏆 Types of Passwords — From Worst to Best
😱 Very Weak: password, 12345678, abc123, qwerty — hackers try these first!
😐 Weak: Rahul2010, Cricket1 — based on personal info — easy to guess
🙂 Medium: Ra#ul2010 — adds a symbol — better but still guessable
😊 Good: Purpl3Sky! — unrelated words + number + symbol
🔒 Strong: P@rr0t#Flies_2Day — long, mixed, random, no personal info
👨👩👦 For Parents:
Help your child set up a password manager or a secure, memorable passphrase. Review account security settings together and enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying hurts just as much as real-life bullying. Learn to recognise it, handle it and stop it.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet, a phone or other technology to hurt, embarrass, threaten or harass another person. It can happen on social media, in games, through messages, in chat groups or via email.
Why Is It Harmful?
Unlike real-life bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7 — even at home. The hurtful content can spread very quickly to hundreds of people. Victims can feel helpless, anxious, lonely and in severe cases it can cause depression.
Warning Signs — Is Someone Being Cyberbullied?
• Gets upset, nervous or sad after using a device
• Stops using a device or app they used to love
• Becomes secretive about online activities
• Seems withdrawn, sad or avoids school
• Difficulty sleeping or eating
• Avoids talking about what they do online
• Stops using a device or app they used to love
• Becomes secretive about online activities
• Seems withdrawn, sad or avoids school
• Difficulty sleeping or eating
• Avoids talking about what they do online
If you notice these signs in yourself or a friend — tell a trusted adult immediately.
⚠️ Remember:
Cyberbullying is NEVER the victim's fault. No one deserves to be bullied — online or in real life.
🔍 Common Types of Cyberbullying
Harassment
Sending repeated mean, rude or hurtful messages to someone.
Cyberstalking
Repeatedly following, tracking or monitoring someone online to frighten them.
Impersonation
Creating a fake profile pretending to be someone else to embarrass them.
Exclusion
Deliberately leaving someone out of online groups, games or conversations to isolate them.
Photo Shaming
Sharing embarrassing or private photos of someone without their permission.
Outing
Sharing someone's private secrets, personal information or messages publicly without consent.
🚨 All of these are wrong:
Whether you're the bully, the victim or a bystander — cyberbullying affects everyone involved. Speak up and get help.
Step 1: Don't Respond
When you're cyberbullied, your first instinct may be to fight back. Don't. Responding often makes things worse and gives the bully the attention they want. Take a deep breath and step away from the screen.
Step 2: Save the Evidence
Take screenshots of the hurtful messages, posts or images. Note the date, time and the platform. This evidence is important when reporting the bullying to a trusted adult, the platform or authorities.
Step 3: Block the Person
Use the block or mute feature to stop the bully from contacting you. Most platforms also have a "Report" button — use it. The platform can investigate and remove the bully's account.
Step 4: Tell a Trusted Adult
Tell Mummy, Papa, a teacher or school counsellor. Show them the evidence. You deserve support and help. If the bullying involves threats or illegal content, parents can also contact the police.
💙 Be Kind to Yourself:
Being cyberbullied is not your fault. It does not define you. Talking about it is brave and the right thing to do. Things will get better.
You Are a Bystander — Now What?
A bystander is someone who sees cyberbullying happen but isn't the target. Bystanders have power — they can either make things worse by laughing or sharing, or they can be an upstander and help stop it.
💪 How to Be an Upstander
✅ Don't share or like it — liking or forwarding hurtful content makes you part of the problem.
✅ Report the content — use the platform's report button. Platforms take reports seriously.
✅ Reach out privately — message the victim and say "I saw that. It wasn't okay. I'm here if you need to talk."
✅ Tell a trusted adult — even if the victim asks you not to. Your priority is their safety.
✅ Be publicly kind — post something kind to or about the victim in the same thread to counterbalance the cruelty.
🌟 One person can make a difference:
Research shows that when a bystander speaks up, bullying stops faster. Be brave. Be an upstander.
Your Digital Footprint
Everything you do online leaves a trace. Learn what a digital footprint is and how to keep yours clean and positive.
👣 What is a Digital Footprint?
Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet. Every search, post, like, comment, message, and download adds to your footprint — forever.
🔍 Two Types of Digital Footprint
🔵 Active Footprint
Things YOU deliberately share:
• Photos you post
• Comments you write
• Profiles you create
• Messages you send
• Videos you upload
• Photos you post
• Comments you write
• Profiles you create
• Messages you send
• Videos you upload
🟣 Passive Footprint
Things collected WITHOUT you realising:
• Websites you visit
• Your location data
• Searches you do
• Ads you click
• Time spent on apps
• Websites you visit
• Your location data
• Searches you do
• Ads you click
• Time spent on apps
📸 You post a photo in a school uniform
→ People can see your school name, your face, your location if geo-tag is on, and the date and time.
💬 You comment on a game's Facebook page
→ Your name, profile picture and the comment are public — visible to millions of people, forever.
🔍 You search for something on Google
→ Google stores your search history and uses it to show targeted ads — even years later.
🎮 You sign up for a gaming app
→ The app may collect your name, email, device ID, location and play habits — even if you delete the app.
📧 You enter your email on a website
→ That website may sell your email to other companies. Your inbox starts getting spam you didn't ask for.
⚠️ Your digital footprint can follow you for life:
Employers, schools and universities sometimes search for applicants' names online. What you post today can affect your future. Think before you share!
✅ Positive Digital Footprint
Sharing your artwork or creative work
Writing helpful comments on learning videos
Congratulating friends on achievements
Posting kind and encouraging messages
Sharing useful information or fun facts
Using your real name to build a good reputation
Standing up against cyberbullying
⚠️ Negative Digital Footprint
Posting rude comments about others
Sharing private photos without permission
Putting your home address or school online
Forwarding hurtful messages or rumours
Pretending to be someone else online
Liking or sharing mean posts
Posting things you wouldn't say face-to-face
🌟 Build a Positive Footprint:
Every kind comment, every helpful post and every creative share adds something good to your online identity. Start today — your digital reputation is worth building!
🔒 Privacy Settings on Popular Platforms
⚠️ Age Rules:
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old. Children under 13 should only use apps specifically designed for kids.
Set Account to Private
A private account means only people you approve can see your posts and photos.
Turn Off Location
Location tags on photos tell strangers exactly where you are. Turn them off in camera and app settings.
Limit Who Can Message You
Set messaging so only friends can contact you. Block strangers who reach out.
Review Your Profile
Check what information is public on your profile. Remove your phone number, school and address.
Think Before Tagging
Always ask friends before tagging them in photos. You can also turn off tagging in settings.
Delete Old Accounts
Unused accounts still hold your data. Properly delete accounts you no longer use.
👨👩👦 For Parents:
Review privacy and safety settings on all your child's apps and devices together. Enable parental controls and discuss which platforms are age-appropriate. Make it a monthly activity!
Screen Time Guide
Learn how much screen time is healthy at your age, and build habits that protect your eyes, sleep and wellbeing.
📋 WHO & Paediatric Guidelines on Screen Time:
These are the recommended screen time limits from the World Health Organisation and American Academy of Paediatrics. All screen time should be high-quality content with parental involvement.
Under 2 years
Babies & Toddlers
0 hours
No screen time at all, except video calls with family. Screens interfere with language and brain development at this age.
Ages 2–5
Preschoolers
Max 1 hour/day
Only high-quality educational programmes. A parent should watch with the child and talk about what they see.
Ages 6–12
School Age
Max 2 hours/day
Set consistent limits. No screens 1 hour before bedtime. Balance with physical activity, homework and social interaction.
Ages 13–17
Teenagers
2–3 hours/day
Teens should manage their own limits. Protect sleep (no screens 30 min before bed). Use tracking apps to stay aware.
👨👩👦 Family Screen Time Tip:
Create a "Family Media Plan" — set screen-free times (meals, morning routine, 1 hour before bed) and screen-free zones (bedrooms, dining table). Make it a family agreement, not just rules for kids!
🚨 Effects of Too Much Screen Time
👁️
Eye Strain
Dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches. Use the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes regularly.
😴
Poor Sleep
Blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime, making it hard to sleep.
🧠
Attention Issues
Too much fast-paced media shortens attention span and makes it harder to focus in class.
🏃
Less Exercise
Sitting still for hours replaces active playtime and can lead to weight gain and poor fitness.
😟
Mood Changes
Too much social media and gaming is linked to anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness.
🤝
Social Skills
Less face-to-face time means less practice with real conversation, empathy and friendships.
💡 The 20-20-20 Rule:
Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes the eye muscles and reduces eye strain significantly.
Set Screen Time Limits
Agree on daily screen time limits with your parents. Use your phone's built-in screen time tracker to stay on target.
No Screens During Meals
Meal times are for family conversations. Put all devices away and enjoy talking to each other.
Screen-Free 1 Hour Before Bed
Give your brain and eyes time to wind down. Read a book, listen to calm music or do some light stretching instead.
Balance With Physical Activity
For every 1 hour of screen time, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity — cycling, cricket, swimming or just playing outside.
Find Offline Hobbies
Drawing, reading, cooking, Lego, puzzles, gardening — offline hobbies build creativity, patience and real-world skills that screens can't replace.
Charge Devices Outside the Bedroom
Charge phones and tablets in the living room or kitchen — not in bedrooms. This removes the temptation to scroll late at night.
Watch Together When Possible
Co-viewing with parents turns passive screen time into family time. You can talk about what you've watched and share opinions.
Track Your Screen Time Weekly
Review your weekly screen time report with a parent. Celebrate when you meet your goals and discuss what to improve together.