CYBER SAFETY
WHAT ARE ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS?
Online relationships are connections formed through digital platforms such as social media, games, and messaging apps. For students, these relationships can range from friendships and peer interactions to communications with strangers. Teaching students about online relationships helps them recognise the benefits and risks, set personal boundaries, and navigate digital interactions safely and respectfully.
Key Concepts
Online Friendships: Understanding how to build positive relationships while maintaining safety and privacy.
Personal Boundaries: Knowing what information and interactions are appropriate to share online.
Grooming Red Flags: Recognising manipulative behaviors, such as excessive flattery, secrecy, or requests for personal information.
Trust and Consent: Learning how to build trust responsibly and understand the importance of consent in online interactions.
TEACHING RATIONALE
Why This Matters
The digital world is an extension of students’ social lives. Teaching them how to navigate online relationships responsibly empowers them to protect themselves, foster healthy connections, and handle challenges like manipulation or cyberbullying with confidence.
HOW TO TEACH
Guiding Principles at a Glance
Recognise Red Flags Teach students to identify signs of unsafe or manipulative behavior, such as secrecy or pressure. | Establish Boundaries Encourage students to set clear limits on what they share and who they interact with online. |
Trust Wisely Help students differentiate between trustworthy connections and risky interactions. | Understand Consent Reinforce that students have the right to say no and withdraw consent in digital spaces. |
Talk to Trusted Adults Encourage students to seek help when something feels wrong or uncomfortable online. | Foster Positive Interactions Promote kindness, respect, and empathy in all online communications. |
CURRICULUM PLANNING
Integrating Online Relationships Lessons Into Your Classroom
Use Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice identifying safe and unsafe online behaviors through interactive activities.
Connect to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Discuss empathy, kindness, and the impact of digital interactions on relationships.
Link to Health Education: Explore topics like consent, boundaries, and managing peer pressure in online spaces.
Discuss Real-Life Examples: Use age-appropriate stories or news to highlight both positive and negative online interactions.
Embed in Media Literacy: Teach students how to evaluate online profiles and detect fake or manipulative accounts.
Create Class Norms: Establish rules for respectful online behaviour during group chats or collaborative projects.e their own media, applying principles of accuracy and credibility.
