CyberShield Kids • Module 5 • Lesson 5.3

Photos, Posts, and Screenshots

In this lesson, students learn why photos, posts, screenshots, and private messages should be handled carefully. Students will practice checking before sharing and asking for permission when other people are included.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

Explain why photos and posts should be checked before sharing.
Understand why screenshots can spread quickly.
Recognize why private messages should stay private.
Ask permission before sharing something about another person.

Safety Reminder

Do not use real private screenshots.

CyberShield practice examples should stay fake and classroom safe. Students should not use real photos, real screenshots, real private messages, real names, real addresses, or real school information in practice activities.

Simple Explanation

Sharing a photo or screenshot can affect more than one person.

Photos, posts, and screenshots can be saved, copied, or shared by other people. A photo might show private information in the background. A screenshot might include a private message. A post might include someone who did not give permission. That is why students should pause, check carefully, and ask for help when they are unsure.

Photos can show private information in the background.
Screenshots can be copied and shared quickly.
Posts can be saved or remembered later.
Private messages should not be shared to embarrass someone.
Photos of other people should not be posted without permission.
Students should ask a trusted adult when unsure if something is safe to share.

Key Vocabulary

Words to know

Photo

A picture taken on a device. Photos can sometimes show private information, locations, people, or details in the background.

Post

Something shared online, such as words, photos, videos, comments, or updates.

Screenshot

A picture of what is on a screen. Screenshots can be saved, copied, or shared by others.

Permission

Getting a clear yes before sharing something about another person, such as their photo, message, or information.

Safe and Unsafe Examples

Practice careful sharing.

These examples are fake and safe for learning. Students should practice with made-up situations, not real photos, screenshots, private messages, or personal information.

Safer choice

A student asks a friend for permission before posting a photo that includes them.

Unsafe choice

A student shares a screenshot of a private message to embarrass someone.

Safer choice

A student notices a photo shows their school name in the background and asks a trusted adult before posting.

Think About It

What should students check before posting a photo?

Students should check whether the photo includes private information, another person, a location, a school name, or anything that could embarrass or hurt someone.

Discussion Question

Why should students ask permission before posting a photo with another person in it?

What To Do In Real Life

Use the check-before-posting habit.

Pause before posting a photo, screenshot, message, or comment.
Check whether the photo shows private information in the background.
Ask permission before sharing a photo or message that includes someone else.
Do not share screenshots or private messages to embarrass someone.
Do not post photos when someone says no or seems uncomfortable.
Ask a trusted adult if you are unsure whether a photo, post, or screenshot is safe to share.

Mini Practice

Should this photo, post, or screenshot be shared?

Read each situation and think about the safest answer. These practice questions use fake examples only.

Practice 1

A student takes a photo at home, but their address is visible in the background. What should they do?

Safer answer

They should not post it as-is. Addresses are private information. They should ask a trusted adult for help.

Practice 2

A friend sends a private message. Another student wants to screenshot it and share it as a joke. Is that safe?

Safer answer

No. Private messages should not be shared to embarrass someone. The safer choice is not to share it.

Practice 3

A student wants to post a picture that includes a friend. What should they do first?

Safer answer

They should ask for permission before sharing a photo that includes someone else.

Practice 4

A post feels funny now, but it might hurt someone later. What is the safer choice?

Safer answer

Pause and do not post it. If unsure, ask a trusted adult before sharing.

Review Checklist

Before moving to Lesson 5.4, students should be able to say:

I can explain why photos should be checked before sharing.
I can explain why screenshots can spread quickly.
I know not to share private messages to embarrass someone.
I know to ask permission before posting photos of other people.
I can check photos for private information in the background.
I can ask a trusted adult when I am unsure if something is safe to share.

Lesson Navigation

Continue the Digital Footprints module.

Next, students will learn what to do if they posted something by mistake or need trusted adult help with an online situation.