Safer Internet Day - KS2

Safer Internet Day happens every year. In 2025 Safer Internet Day is on 11 February.

It is a day for people to think about how to be safer and more responsible when connecting and communicating on the internet.

We should also to be responsible with the amount of time spent accessing the internet. Scheduling regular breaks to read or go outside can contribute to our positive mental wellbeing.

It may sound surprising, but the internet isn’t just used for gaming, streaming and social media.

Many everyday items such as alarms, coffee machines, televisions and even some car systems use the internet to fully function!

This means that we need to be aware of how our information is being used and how much of our information we share.

There are many ways of using the internet to communicate, connect, research and find entertainment. The internet is often used on computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, smart watches and in many other electronic devices.

Examples of how the internet is used:

• Social media

• Video calling and messaging

• Vlogging and blogging

• To stream music or films

• To monitor health or location via an app or smart device

In order be as safe as possible when using devices connected to the internet, it’s important to make sure to follow some SMART rules.

S is for SAFE

Keep your own and other people’s information safe.

Don’t share information such as your name, age, where you live or where you go to school.

Only your safe adults should know your s.

Look out for information that might be given away in photos too.

M is for MEET

Be careful of people you talk to or meet online, even if they say they’re also a child.

If they ask to meet you online or in person, or ask for photos, you should tell a trusted adult straight away.

A is for ACCEPTING

Before accepting friend requests, advert or link pop ups, ask a trusted adult first.

It’s safer to not accept requests from people that you do not know.

R is for RELIABLE

Unfortunately, not everything you see or read online is reliable.

Some things are untrue or fake.

When looking for information, it’s best to check this in a few places first to see if it is true.

T is for TELL

If something online – on a computer, a game, or video – makes you feel scared, sad, unsure or worried, you should tell a trusted adult straight away.

You can also press the ‘Report’ button if there is one.

While thinking about how the SMART rules can be followed, also have a think about:

• Which devices around you use the internet?

• What do those devices use the internet for?

• Who are your trusted adults that can help you if there is a problem?

• How many hours per day do you use the internet and are you having scheduled breaks often?

Games can be played on computers, games consoles or on mobile phones. They can be great fun!
Some games can be played with other people who are not in the same building or country as you.

To stay safe when gaming:

• Don’t talk to or add anyone that you don’t know even if they say they’re a child too.

• Make names different to your real name, so that you can’t be identified.

• Don’t include information about your home, family or school.

• Play games that are age appropriate. This information can usually be found on the box, app or site that the game comes from

You can use the internet to communicate with others via social media profiles, messaging services, video calls and many more places.

• Only accept requests for connections from people that you and your trusted adult know.

• Tell a trusted adult if someone you don’t know tries to interact with you online. You can use the ‘block’ and ‘report’ buttons too.

The internet is full of information and can be a useful place to gain more knowledge.

Unfortunately, not all information on the internet is true. The site that the information is from could give clues about its reliability.

• The last part of the URL has clues about the type of website it is.

• If it ends with .sch.uk,  then it is a school website.

• A college or education website ends in .ac.uk.

• A government website ends in .gov.uk.

• If the domain name is not familiar. then look for a link on the webpage called  or  Who we are.

• If you can't find out who makes the content, then this might mean that it is unreliable.

• If you read or find something that makes you unsure, unhappy or feel unsafe, show your trusted adult straight away. You could also use the ‘report’ button on lots of sites and apps.

Sharing and viewing photos and videos online can be entertaining and a way to keep in touch with friends and family.

There are some photos and videos that are safe to view, and some that are not.

• A trusted adult can help to set filters so that you see mostly safe content.

• Sometimes, things that we don’t want to see can slip through. It’s important to not click on this type of content and report it to a trusted adult straight away.

• If you share content, be aware of what is in the photo or video. Avoid showing your face, age, or names of your friends, family or school.

• Comments for photos and videos can be different too. to be respectful and kind whether its on the internet or in real life.

• If you see or read something that doesn’t feel fun or safe, tell your trusted adult and press the ‘report’ button.

Design a Safer Internet Day webpage.

What key information would you include to help someone to stay safe online?

Think about the key places that they would access the internet.