CyberShield Kids • Module 5 • Lesson 5.2
Think Before You Share
In this lesson, students learn how to pause before sharing posts, photos, comments, screenshots, messages, locations, or information about themselves or others.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Safety Reminder
Sharing can affect yourself and others.
Students should not use real private information, real screenshots, real private messages, real names, or real photos in practice activities. If something feels confusing, embarrassing, or unsafe, students should ask a trusted adult for help.
Simple Explanation
Sharing should not be automatic.
Before students post, send, comment, upload, or share something, they should pause and think. Some information should stay private. Some photos or screenshots may include details that should not be shared. Some posts may affect other people. The safer habit is to pause, check, ask permission, and get help from a trusted adult when unsure.
Key Vocabulary
Words to know
Share
To send, post, upload, comment, or show something online so other people can see it.
Permission
Asking and getting a clear yes before posting or sharing something about another person.
Private information
Information that should be protected, such as addresses, phone numbers, school names, locations, passwords, and family details.
Think before you share
A safety habit where students pause and check whether something is private, hurtful, or unsafe before posting or sending it.
Safe and Unsafe Examples
Practice thoughtful sharing.
These examples are fake and safe for learning. Students should practice with made-up situations, not real photos, real screenshots, or real private information.
Safer choice
A student wants to post a picture with a friend and asks the friend and a trusted adult first.
Unsafe choice
A student posts a photo that shows their school name, location, and full name.
Safer choice
A student decides not to share a screenshot because it could embarrass someone.
Think About It
What should students check before sharing?
Students should check whether a post includes private information, whether it could hurt or embarrass someone, whether it includes another person, and whether they have permission to share it.
Discussion Question
What is one thing you should ask yourself before posting a photo or comment online?
What To Do In Real Life
Use the pause-check-share habit.
Mini Practice
Should this be shared?
Read each situation and think about the safest answer. These practice questions use fake examples only.
Practice 1
A student wants to post a photo, but their school name is visible in the background. What should they do?
Safer answer
They should not post it as-is. School names and locations can be private information. They should ask a trusted adult for help.
Practice 2
A friend sends a funny picture, but you are not sure if they want it posted. What should you do first?
Safer answer
Ask permission before sharing. If you are unsure, do not post it and ask a trusted adult.
Practice 3
A student is angry and wants to post a mean comment. What is the safer choice?
Safer answer
Pause and do not post it. Angry messages can hurt people and may be saved or shared.
Practice 4
A post asks students to share their phone number to join a game group. What should they do?
Safer answer
They should not share their phone number. Phone numbers are private information. They should ask a trusted adult.
Review Checklist
Before moving to Lesson 5.3, students should be able to say:
Lesson Navigation
Continue the Digital Footprints module.
Next, students will learn how photos, posts, and screenshots can spread and why permission matters before sharing.