Safe Internet Use, Safe Sites, Online Manners and Reporting Harmful Content for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Digital Literacy
Curriculum Theme: Online Safety
Focal competence: Using internet safely
Key competencies/values: Research and Problem Solving
Skills:

• Identifying safe and unsafe websites
• Applying netiquette

Previous Lesson: Passwords, Types and How to Create a Strong Password
Topic: Safe Internet Use
Subject Matter: Meaning of safe internet use

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Explain the meaning of safe internet use.
• Identify safe internet sites.
• State examples of upsetting contents on the internet.

Affective Domain

• Display good manners while online.

Psychomotor Domain

• Report upsetting contents to their teachers or parents.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Basic Digital Literacy for Primary Schools, Book 4
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A computer system connected to the Internet
• Video clips on safe internet use
• Projector
• Audio visual aids
• Pictures illustrating safe and unsafe online situations

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to navigate the internet safely. Understanding safe practices, identifying risks, and knowing how to report harmful content protects them from online dangers. It also fosters responsible and respectful behaviour in the digital world.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of what the internet is and how it can be used for learning and fun.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Safe Internet Use

Meaning of Safe Internet Use

Safe internet use means using the internet in a way that protects you from harm and keeps your personal information private. It involves being careful about what you click, what you share, and who you talk to online.

Identification of Safe Internet Sites

Safe internet sites are websites that are suitable for children and do not contain harmful or inappropriate content. You can identify them by:

1. Looking for a padlock symbol in the web address bar.
2. Checking if the web address starts with “https://” (the ‘s’ means secure).
3. Visiting websites recommended by parents or teachers.
4. Using search engines designed for children.
5. Avoiding sites that ask for too much personal information.

Examples of Upsetting Contents on the Internet

Upsetting content can make you feel scared, sad, or uncomfortable. Examples include:

1. Bullying messages: Messages that are mean or make fun of someone.
2. Violent pictures or videos: Images or clips showing fighting, injuries, or scary events.
3. Inappropriate language: Bad words or rude phrases.
4. Fake news: Stories that are not true and can mislead people.
5. Scary images: Pictures that are frightening or disturbing.

Reporting Upsetting Contents

If you see anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or sad, you must report it immediately. Always tell a trusted adult, such as:

1. Your parents or guardians.
2. Your teacher.
3. An older sibling or family member you trust.

Do not try to handle it alone or keep it a secret.

Good Manners While Online (Netiquette)

Netiquette refers to the rules of good behaviour when using the internet. It is important to be polite and respectful online, just as you are offline. Good online manners include:

1. Being polite and respectful in online chats and comments.
2. Not sharing private information about yourself or others.
3. Thinking before you post or send messages.
4. Not using bad language or bullying others.
5. Giving credit to others if you use their ideas or pictures.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Role-play, Video Presentation.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they know about the internet and how they use it. The teacher then introduces the topic “Safe Internet Use” and explains its importance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about the internet and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Internet use importance

Step 2: Meaning of Safe Internet Use

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Defining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of safe internet use, highlighting the importance of personal safety and privacy. The teacher uses simple examples to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on safe internet use.

Learning Point: Safe internet definition

Step 3: Identification of Safe Internet Sites

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Identifying

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various websites (some safe, some potentially unsafe) using the projector. The teacher discusses signs of safe/unsafe online situations, such as padlock symbols, “https://”, and reputable content. The teacher guides pupils to identify safe sites.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the websites, identify characteristics of safe sites, and participate in the discussion.

Learning Point: Safe website characteristics

Step 4: Examples of Upsetting Contents

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains examples of upsetting contents that pupils might encounter online, such as cyberbullying, violent images, or inappropriate language. The teacher emphasizes that these contents are harmful.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and mention other upsetting content they might have heard about.

Learning Point: Upsetting content types

Step 5: Reporting Upsetting Contents

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guiding/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of reporting upsetting content and demonstrates how to report it to a trusted adult. The teacher encourages pupils to always speak up and not keep it a secret. The teacher leads a role-play scenario where a pupil reports upsetting content.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and participate in role-playing reporting upsetting content to a trusted adult.

Learning Point: Reporting harmful content

Step 6: Displaying Good Manners Online

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussing/Reinforcing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses good online manners (netiquette) such as being polite, not sharing personal information, and thinking before posting. The teacher encourages pupils to demonstrate these manners.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and demonstrate good online manners through short role-plays or examples.

Learning Point: Online manners application

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What does safe internet use mean?
2. Mention two ways to identify a safe internet site.
3. Give two examples of upsetting content you might find online.
4. Who should you report upsetting content to?
5. State one good online manner.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Safe internet understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on safe internet use, identifying safe sites, upsetting content, reporting, and online manners into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Lesson notes recording

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Encouraging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils to always be careful and smart when using the internet and to always tell an adult if they see anything that makes them uncomfortable. The teacher praises pupils for their participation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and affirm their commitment to safe internet use.

Learning Point: Safe internet reinforcement

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. List three things you should do to use the internet safely.
2. Find out and write down the names of two websites that are safe for children to use.
3. Imagine you saw something online that made you feel sad. Write down what you would do and who you would tell.

Lesson Keywords

• Safe internet – Using the internet without being exposed to harm.
• Unsafe sites – Websites that contain inappropriate or harmful content.
• Netiquette – Rules of good manners and polite behaviour when using the internet.
• Harmful content – Online material that is upsetting, dangerous, or inappropriate.
• Report – To tell a trusted adult about upsetting or harmful online content.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher will provide simpler examples of safe sites and upsetting content, focusing on identifying one trusted adult to report to. Stronger learners will be encouraged to discuss the potential consequences of unsafe internet use and suggest more detailed rules for online behaviour.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: “Safe Internet Use for Kids Primary 4” or “Online Safety for Children Nigeria”.

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the computer system, internet connection, and projector are working properly. Prepare some examples of child-friendly websites and discuss potential scenarios of upsetting content (without showing actual harmful material). Follow the teaching sequence, allowing ample time for pupils to discuss and role-play. Emphasize the critical message of reporting any uncomfortable online experience to a trusted adult immediately. Ensure pupils copy the Board Summary notes accurately in Step 8 to reinforce their learning. Provide individual support to pupils who struggle with identifying safe sites or understanding the reporting process, and challenge faster learners with more complex scenarios.