Digital Citizenship

Click Smart4th & 5th Graders Learn the Rules of Online Safety

In today’s digital world, being online is part of everyday life for students — but knowing how to stay safe online is just as important as knowing how to navigate the web. Recently, our 4th and 5th graders participated in an engaging lesson on online safety, focusing on how to make smart choices when browsing, clicking, and sharing.
Students learned about:
Using secure links (look for the padlock and “https” in a web address)
Checking links before clicking to avoid suspicious or misleading websites
Recognizing and avoiding scams that try to trick users into sharing personal information
Through interactive discussions and examples, students practiced identifying safe and unsafe online scenarios. The lesson wrapped up with a rousing game of Kahoot, where students tested their knowledge in a fast-paced, friendly competition that brought plenty of excitement — and lots of learning!


Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards AddressedGrades 3–5: Digital Tools and Collaboration9.DTC.a.3: Demonstrate an understanding of how to use digital tools (e.g., browsers, search engines, websites) safely and responsibly.9.DTC.b.1: Explain why passwords, privacy settings, and secure websites are important to protect personal information.11.SI.a.1: Describe how to evaluate digital sources for accuracy, relevance, and reliability.11.CAS.a.3: Identify strategies for dealing with cyberbullying, scams, phishing, and other online risks.
By the end of the lesson, students walked away feeling more confident about staying safe online — and had a blast showing what they knew in Kahoot! It was a perfect mix of digital safety, critical thinking, and fun — all skills that will serve them well as responsible digital citizens.
Essential QuestionsHow can I recognize if a website or link is safe to click?Why is it important to protect my personal information online?What steps can I take if I think I’ve found a scam or suspicious website?