Using technology safely
Grade 4 · Computing
Give clear instructions, solve problems and use technology safely.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Being safe and kind online
What is cyberbullying? How can you report a worry? A free elementary game about safe, respectful and responsible behavior online.
Play Being safe and kind online
Learning about using technology safely
In this Grade 4 computing collection, you can practice Being safe and kind online. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Ask your child to predict an outcome before testing it. When a prediction does not match the result, change one thing at a time. Safety games rehearse decisions, but children should still ask a trusted adult when something online worries them.
Ask: “What would happen if you changed one step?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Being safe and kind online
This game gives real-life situations, from unkind messages and rumors 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, 911 in an emergency and, for adults, the NCMEC CyberTipline. The answers follow the SMART rules from Childnet, a UK online-safety charity.
Try an example: A classmate keeps sending you unkind messages. Which is the best thing to do?
Replying makes it worse; deleting removes the evidence. Keep a copy, block, and get help.
Show the answer
Save the messages, block them and tell a trusted adult.
What to look out for
Thinking cyberbullying is “just a joke”. If it upsets someone, it is not acceptable. Ask how the other person might feel.
Practice away from the screen
- Agree a family online agreement and review it each year.
Curriculum connections
Being safe and kind online
Suggested grade 4 practice, selected by skill and reading demand. US states and schools teach these topics in different grades; this is not a state-standards alignment claim.
CSTA 2026 PK–12 Standards teaching connection: Responsible participation. This game introduces a related computing concept. Extend it with creating, testing or discussing a real example. The suggested grade is editorial; no specific CSTA performance code, certification or full coverage is claimed. Read the framework.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with using technology safely?
Start with Being safe and kind online. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.