As children become more independent and more responsible for their own safety, they learn the skills for assessing risk, responding to dangerous situations online, and protecting themselves from a variety of social dangers including bullying, abuse, violence, and other risks associated with technology. Children continue to learn about healthy relationships including how to behave inclusively, responsibly, and respectfully with others online. Children also learn about the factors that contribute to their physical and mental health and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between engaging in technology and participating in daily activities to enhance their wellness.1
In Grade 4, students learn to:
- identify the risks involved in using technology;
- describe precautions that they need to take when online;
- identify strategies they can use to keep themselves safe when communicating online and using technology;
- use relationship skills to communicate appropriately when using technology; and
- use their problem-solving and decision-making skills to assess risks and make safe decisions when online.
Together (caregiver and child), watch the video Responding Respectfully and Safely to Harmful Situations Online, and then use the Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning from the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation. The Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning can also be used to start a conversation without watching the video.
Video
Description: The character in the video opens their social media feed and discovers that a hurtful rumour about a close friend has been posted on social media. The character must decide what they should do to support their friend and help them deal with this hurtful situation.
Discussion Guide
The discussion guide includes Conversation Starter Questions and Themes to Reinforce the Learning that may be used alone or in combination to promote dialogue about Internet safety with your family. Using these tools to talk to your child will help them:
- understand how to engage respectfully and responsibly with others while staying safe when online;
- recognize potentially unsafe situations; and
- make informed decisions when dealing with situations when they do not feel safe.
Grade 4 Discussion Guide: Responding Respectfully and Safely to Harmful Situations Online (PDF)
1Excerpted from The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1–8, Health and Physical Education, 2019, p. 155–156