MODULE 5: DIGITAL SAFETY RULES

Digital safety or in a simple terms, online safety refers to the act of staying online. It is also
commonly known as internet safety, e-safety and cyber safety. It encompasses all technological
devices which have access to the internet from PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets. There
are 5 Digital Safety Rules, which are the; Rule 1: Research before you register, Rule 2: Discriminate,
Rule 3: Think before typing, Rule 4: Require ID, Rule 5: Trust your gut.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

a. Articulate digital safety rules that ensure child online safety
b. Define digital safety and list the five digital safety rules.
c. Explain the importance of each digital safety rule in protecting online users, especially children.
d. Demonstrate responsible online behavior by using safe browsing practices and verifying
identities before online interactions.

Rule 1: Research before you register.

If we don’t have enough information about the site, know more about the thing you are registering to,
do a little research if it’s legit or not to make that we’re all in a safe site. To avoid being scam or hack
our accounts using personal information.
• Internet safety tips for parents and kids
The most important internet safety tip for kids is to never share any personal information, including
passwords, home or school addresses, birthdays, or even pet names.
Here are more cyber safety rules and guidelines for interacting online:
 -Don’t post personal photos publicly
 -Use screen names
 -Be careful with online ads
 -Don’t respond to messages from strangers
 -Report cyberbullying
 -Set up parental controls
•Internet safety tips for adults
The number of potential threats to your personal online security seems to grow every year.
Here are the principal rules for staying safe on the internet:
 Don’t reuse passwords
 Don’t open attachments from unknown sources
 Check the source of emails before clicking links
 Review privacy settings and data policies
 Double-check online information
 Be careful who you meet
 Avoid oversharing

•Internet safety tips when traveling

Traveling to a new destination is great, but using untrusted Wi-Fi is risky.

Here’s how to safely browse the internet while traveling:

 -Use a VPN
 -Be careful connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots

Rule 2: Discriminate.
While digital safety rules are designed to protect everyone online, they can sometimes appear to
discriminate if they are not implemented thoughtfully, potentially impacting certain groups more than
others based on factors like age, cultural background, or access to technology, particularly when
rules are too restrictive or not adapted to different needs.
Potential areas where digital safety rules could be seen as discriminatory:
 Age-based restrictions:
Strict rules that limit access to certain platforms or content based on age could disproportionately
affect younger users, potentially hindering their ability to learn and engage with online information
relevant to their lives.
 Language barriers:
If digital safety guidelines are only provided in one language, individuals who are not fluent in that
language may be left vulnerable to online risks due to lack of understanding.
 Cultural considerations:
Rules that may be appropriate in one cultural context could be seen as overly restrictive or intrusive
in another, potentially impacting users from diverse backgrounds.
 Access to technology:
Strict monitoring or filtering systems could disproportionately affect individuals with limited access to
technology or those in communities with less robust internet infrastructure.

Rule 3: Think before typing.

"Think before typing" in the context of digital safety means to carefully consider what you are about
to post online before hitting send, ensuring you are not sharing personal information, sensitive
details, or potentially harmful content that could have negative consequences later on; essentially, to
be mindful of your online footprint and reputation before publishing anything.
Key aspects of "think before typing" in digital safety:
 Privacy protection: Don't share private information like home address, phone number, or
financial details publicly on social media.
 Reputation management: Be aware that anything you post online can be seen by potential
employers, friends, family, and others, so avoid posting anything that could damage your reputation.
 Cyberbullying prevention: Refrain from posting hurtful or offensive comments towards others.
 Fact-checking: Verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading misinformation.
Consider the audience: Think about who might see your post and tailor your language accordingly.

Rule 4: Require ID.

When engaging with others online, children should only interact with verified and known individuals.
Social media platforms and online games often have security settings that allow parental supervision
and friend verification to prevent contact with strangers.

Example:
A child playing an online multiplayer game may receive a friend request from an unknown player.
Instead of accepting it immediately, they should check if the person is someone they know in real
life. If unsure, they should ask a parent or guardian before adding the new contact.

Another example is when joining a private group or chat. If a child is invited to a group by an
unfamiliar account, they should verify with a trusted friend whether the group is safe before joining.

Rule 5: Trust your gut.

If something online feels unsafe or suspicious, children should trust their instincts and take action.
This includes reporting inappropriate content, blocking suspicious users, and seeking help from a
trusted adult. Instilling confidence in their ability to recognize danger is key to online safety.

Example: A child might receive a message from an unknown person asking for personal details,
such as their home address or school name. If the request makes them feel uncomfortable, they
should immediately block the sender and report the incident to a parent or teacher.
Another scenario is if a child stumbles upon a website that seems inappropriate or harmful. Instead
of exploring further, they should close the page and inform a responsible adult about what they saw.

CONCLUSION

Digital safety is an essential skill for children in the modern world. By following these five rules—
researching before registering, being discerning, thinking before typing, requiring ID verification, and
trusting their instincts—children can navigate the internet securely. Parents, educators, and
guardians must actively reinforce these principles to create a safe digital environment for young
users.

REFERENCES:

Ghimiray, D. (2023, April 9). Top Internet Safety Tips for Everyone. Top Internet Safety Tips
for Everyone. https://www.avast.com/c-internet-safety-tips

Pardon Our Interruption. (2025). Coursehero.com.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/155559500/SPEC-118ACTIVITY-4-MODULE-3docx/

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