Being safe and kind online: a KS2 computing game: what children learn
By Key Stage 2, many children message friends, play online games and watch videos. The National Curriculum asks them to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, to recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and to know a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.
This game gives real-life situations, from unkind messages and rumours to strangers in games and too-good-to-be-true claims, and asks for the best response. It also teaches the ways to get help: trusted adults, report and block buttons, Childline (0800 1111) and, for adults, CEOP. The answers follow Childnet’s SMART rules from the UK Safer Internet Centre.
This topic covers a Key Stage 2 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Subject content): pupils should be taught to “use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact”. The programme of study sets this for the whole of Key Stage 2, so schools choose when to teach it; we have placed this game in Year 5 (ages 9–10).
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Agree what is acceptable. Make a list together: asking before posting photos, being kind, keeping passwords private. Then list what is not acceptable.
- Know the report routes. Trusted adult, report and block buttons, Childline, and CEOP for worrying contact from adults.
- Keep evidence. If messages are unkind, save or screenshot them before blocking, and show a trusted adult.
- Check what is true. Not everything online is reliable. Check surprising claims on trusted websites.
- Think before posting. Ask: would I be happy for my teacher, my family and a stranger to see this?
Worked examples
Example 1: A classmate keeps sending you unkind messages. Which is the best thing to do?
Working: Replying makes it worse; deleting removes the evidence. Keep a copy, block, and get help.
Answer: Save the messages, block them and tell a trusted adult.
Example 2: You see a website that says chocolate cures colds. What should you do?
Working: Anyone can publish online. Look for the same claim on reliable sites such as the NHS.
Answer: Check it on other reliable websites.
Example 3: Which of these is a strong password?
Working: Names and simple patterns are easy to guess. Long, mixed passwords are much harder.
Answer: A long mix of words, numbers and symbols.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Thinking cyberbullying is “just a joke”. If it upsets someone, it is not acceptable. Ask how the other person might feel.
- Thinking you must deal with problems alone. There are many ways to get help. Telling is the brave and sensible choice.
- Thinking private messages stay private. Messages can be screenshotted and shared. Think before you send.
Activities to try at home
- Agree a family online agreement and review it each year.
- Show your child where the report and block buttons are on the apps they use.
- Talk about news stories about online scams or fake news.
- Print the game sheet and discuss the trickier questions.
Ideas for the classroom
- Sort scenario cards into acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, then discuss the borderline ones.
- Create posters showing the report routes in school and online.
- Use Childnet’s resources for Safer Internet Day.
- Play the quiz as a discussion starter, pausing on each answer.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What is CEOP?
CEOP is part of the National Crime Agency. It takes reports about online sexual abuse and grooming. Children can also use the CEOP button found on many sites.
Are children under 13 allowed on social media?
Most social media apps set a minimum age of 13 in their terms. Check each app’s rules.
What should I do if my child tells me about a problem?
Stay calm, thank them for telling you, keep any evidence, and use the report tools. Contact the school if it involves other pupils.