7 Smart Online Safety Tips Every Elementary Kid Should Know
Here are seven essential tips for online safety for kids—perfect for helping elementary-aged children stay safe, whether at home, in the classroom, or on the go.
“My 7-year-old just opened a strange pop-up while playing a game. What do I do?”
Sound familiar? Parents and teachers alike are navigating a digital world where kids are online earlier and more often than ever; but they don’t always know how to stay safe.
According to the Pew Research Center (2020), 80 percent of parents with children ages 5-11 say their child uses or interacts regularly with a tablet, whether it's their own, shared, or part of a family device. Children ages 5-8 now average nearly three hours of screen time per day, according to Common Sense Media, significantly exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of one hour of high-quality screen time per day for younger children.
As access increases, so do the risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the need for early digital safety education, citing concerns about exposure to inappropriate content, online predators and privacy risks. That’s why it’s essential for parents, caregivers and educators to teach safe online habits, starting in the elementary years.
So, where do you start? Right here. These seven simple, age-appropriate online safety tips are designed to help kids in elementary school build smart digital habits—whether they’re using devices at home, in the classroom, or on the go.
1. Keep Personal Info Private
One of the first lessons in internet safety for elementary students is understanding what not to share online. Names, addresses, birthdays, school names, and even pet names can be used by strangers to gain personal information.
Encourage children to ask an adult before sharing any personal details, especially when creating accounts or filling out forms.
- Simple Rule for Kids: “If you wouldn’t put it on a classroom poster, don’t post it online.”
2. Stick to Trusted Sites and Apps
Young kids often don’t know which websites are safe and which might be full of ads, malware, or misinformation. Parents and teachers can help by creating a “safe list” of approved platforms—and using kid-friendly browsers with built-in filters.
This step supports child-friendly internet safety by guiding kids toward curated, age-appropriate content.
- Helpful Tip: Bookmark a few trusted educational and fun websites so kids can easily access them.
3. If You See Something Weird, Tell Someone
Pop-ups, suspicious messages, or scary content can catch kids off guard. Let them know it’s OK—and important—to speak up.
Having regular conversations helps kids build trust and reinforces that they’re not in trouble for reporting something unusual. This is a foundational part of digital safety for children.
- Teach this Phrase: “If it feels wrong, don't delay—click away and talk, OK?”
Watch This Together!
This short video from Share My Lesson partner Twinkl on internet safety for kids is a great visual aid to reinforce smart online behavior and help children recognize and avoid digital dangers.
4. Be Kind, Not Just Safe
Digital citizenship starts early. Remind students that their words online carry the same weight as those spoken face-to-face. Kindness, respect and empathy matter—even in a comment or chat window.
Teach students not to tease, post embarrassing photos, or exclude others in group chats.
- Kindness Rule: “You’re still you online; be kind, just like in the classroom.”
5. Never Talk to Strangers Online—Even in Games
This tip deserves repeating: Not everyone online is who they say they are. Online games and platforms with chat features can expose kids to conversations with strangers.
Set clear boundaries about what’s OK and what’s not. If a stranger tries to talk or asks personal questions, your child should leave the chat and tell a grown-up.
- Tip for Kids: “If you don’t know them in real life, don’t chat with them online!”
6. Ask Before Downloading or Clicking
Clicking the wrong link or downloading an unknown file can lead to viruses or worse. Kids should know to pause and ask before clicking on pop-ups, ads, or suspicious links—especially in games or YouTube sidebars.
- Kid-Friendly Reminder: “Look before you tap. Ask before you click!”
7. Take Tech Breaks to Stay Safe and Healthy
Safety isn’t just about avoiding online risks—it’s also about creating healthy screen habits. That means making time to rest your eyes, move your body and enjoy offline fun.
Even Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Nintendo’s Mario games, encourages kids to get outside and experience the real world. He says that’s when the real joy of gaming—and life—truly comes alive.
- Offline Swap Ideas: Drawing, biking, dancing, playing outside, or telling a story with a friend!
Smart Habits Start Early—Let’s Keep Kids Safe Online
Teaching kids online safety early isn’t just about rules, it’s also about giving them the confidence to explore the digital world with curiosity and care. Whether you're a parent setting boundaries at home or a teacher guiding classroom tech time, these tips lay the foundation for smart, safe digital habits that will stick with kids for years to come.
Together, we can help kids thrive (not just survive) online.
7 Smart Online Safety Tips for Kids
Download the free lesson plan—complete with discussion questions, a creative poster activity, and printable worksheet. It’s ready to use with grades 2-4 and adaptable for any elementary learning environment.
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Andy Kratochvil is a proud member of the AFT Share My Lesson team, where he’s passionate about discovering and sharing top-tier content with educators across the country. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and French from California State University, Fullerton, and later completed... See More
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