Cyber

Middle School Lesson: Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Standards

Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify potential Internet safety issues.

• Understand the importance of complying with acceptable use standards.

• Develop basic strategies to stay safe online.

Materials:

• Computer and projector.

• Internet access for demonstration.

• Handout with key Internet safety tips.

• Scenario cards for group activity.

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin with a brief story or scenario of someone who faced an Internet safety issue (e.g., a student who shared too much personal information online and had their privacy invaded).

• Ask students if they've heard or experienced similar stories.

• Explain that the Internet is a powerful tool, but it comes with risks, and today's lesson will teach them how to stay safe.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes):

• Present a slide show highlighting key Internet safety issues:

  • Personal Information: Importance of keeping details like address, phone number, school, etc., private.

  • Cyberbullying: What it is and why it's harmful.

  • Online Scams: How to recognize phishing emails or fake websites.

  • Inappropriate Content: Importance of reporting and not sharing such content.

  • Digital Footprint: How the information we share online can have long-term effects.

  • Online Strangers: The potential risks of interacting with unknown individuals online.

• Explain the concept of "Acceptable Use Standards," which are guidelines and rules set by organizations to ensure users behave responsibly and safely online.

Guided Practice (10 minutes):

• Demonstrate safe online behavior by:

  • Showing how to create strong passwords.

  • Giving an example of a phishing email and pointing out its signs.

  • Showing how to adjust privacy settings on a popular social media site.

• Discuss the consequences of not following acceptable use standards (e.g., losing Internet privileges, facing disciplinary actions, or legal consequences).

Group Activity (15 minutes):

• Break students into small groups and give each group a scenario card. Each card will describe a situation that may or may not be safe online behavior.

• Ask groups to discuss whether the scenario is safe or unsafe and what could be done differently.

• Allow each group to share their scenario and response with the class.

Example Scenario Card: "Jenna received an email saying she won a free tablet. All she needs to do is click the link and provide her home address and school name."

Individual Activity (10 minutes):

• Distribute the handout with key Internet safety tips.

• Ask students to choose one tip, and write a short paragraph on why they think it's important and how they can apply it in their daily online activities.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Reinforce the importance of always being cautious and thoughtful when online.

• Encourage students to always ask a trusted adult if they're unsure about any online interaction or information.

• Remind students of the consequences of not adhering to acceptable use standards, both at school and in broader contexts.

Homework/Extension Activity: Ask students to create a poster or digital presentation on a specific Internet safety topic of their choice, which they can share in the next class.

Assessment: Students can be assessed based on their participation in group and individual activities, the accuracy and thoughtfulness of their responses, and their completion of the extension activity.