Being a Good Digital Citizen
A lesson teaching primary school children about responsible, kind, and safe behaviour when using the internet.
Overview
This lesson helps KS2 children understand that their online behaviour matters just as much as how they act in person. Through stories, group activities, and a class pledge, children learn about being kind online, thinking before they post, protecting their personal information, and knowing when to ask for help.
Learning Objectives
- •Understand that online actions affect real people with real feelings
- •Practise thinking before posting or sending a message
- •Know what personal information to keep private
- •Develop a class digital citizenship agreement
Activities
The ripple effect
10 minutesShow how a single online action can spread. Start with one kind message and one unkind message — trace how each might be shared, screenshot, or forwarded. Use a physical demonstration with paper chains to show the ripple effect.
Before you post
10 minutesTeach the THINK acronym: is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind? Children apply this to a set of example messages and decide which ones pass the test and which do not.
Private information quiz
15 minutesInteractive quiz where children decide which pieces of information are safe to share online and which should stay private. Include tricky examples like photos in school uniform or mentioning a local landmark.
Our digital citizenship pledge
10 minutesAs a class, agree on five rules for being a good digital citizen. Each child writes and decorates their own copy. Display the pledges in the classroom.
Reflection circle
5 minutesChildren sit in a circle and each share one thing they will do differently online after today's lesson.
Discussion Points
- •Is it ever okay to say something online that you would not say to someone's face?
- •What would you do if someone shared something about you that you did not want them to?
- •Why is it important to think about other people's feelings when you are online?
- •Who would you talk to if something online made you feel upset or worried?
Key Takeaways
- •Treat people online the way you would want to be treated in person
- •Always think before you post — use the THINK test
- •Keep personal information private and tell a trusted adult if something goes wrong
This content is designed to support professionals in their safeguarding role. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policies or training requirements.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29