Before You Click

Safety Guide

Use these three steps before you click, reply, or share anything online. If you feel unsure, ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult.

STOP

Pause before clicking. A real message can wait while you think.

CHECK

Look at the sender and the message. Watch for strange addresses, pressure, and requests for secrets.

VERIFY

Ask a trusted adult, or check with the organization using a source you already trust.

Prevent problems before they start

Fake senders

Someone can pretend to be a teacher, a game, or a delivery company. Check the address. A misspelled name is a warning sign.

Urgent messages

Timers, threats, and “do not tell anyone” are pressure tricks. Take your time.

Passwords and codes

Never share a password or a one-time verification code. A real helper does not need them.

Links and attachments

Do not open a surprise link or file. Ask a trusted adult first, even if a friend sent it.

If something already went wrong

If you already clicked

Stop clicking. Do not type a password. Tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult right away.

If you shared information

Tell a trusted adult what you shared. They can help change a password or contact the school. You are not in trouble for asking for help.

Trusted places to report a problem

Children should involve a parent, teacher, or trusted adult when reporting a problem. These are official sites an adult can use: