Privacy & Personal Information
You get a friend request on social media from someone you’ve never met in real life.
Question:
Do you accept it or ignore it?
Ignore it. Accepting requests from strangers can be unsafe. Only connect with people you know and trust.
You receive an email that looks like it’s from your favorite game or social media site, asking for your username and password.
Question:
Do you reply to see what happens or delete it immediately?
Delete it immediately. It’s likely a scam. Sharing your login info can lead to hacking and stealing your personal information.
You start getting mean messages from someone on an anonymous messaging app.
Question:
Do you respond, report it, or block the sender?
Report or block the sender. Responding can make things worse, but reporting or blocking helps keep yourself and others safe.
You see a shocking news story on social media that everyone is talking about. It seems unbelievable, but it looks real.
Question:
Should you share it right away or verify its accuracy first?
Check first. Sharing without verifying can spread false information. Make sure it’s true before posting or telling others.
Your parents ask you to limit phone use to one hour a day. Meanwhile, your friends are all chatting and sharing funny videos, and they want you to join.
Question:
Do you follow the rules or join your friends?
Follow the rules. Respecting your parents’ limits helps you stay healthy and responsible, even if your friends are online.
You download a new game, and it asks for access to your contacts and microphone.
Question:
Do you allow it or deny access?
Deny access. Only give apps the permissions they truly need. Protecting your personal information keeps you safe online.
You have an old phone that still works. You’re deciding what to do with it.
Question:
Do you recycle it responsibly or give it to someone who might misuse it?
Recycle it responsibly. Proper recycling protects the environment and ensures the device isn’t misused.
While browsing social media, you see posts with hateful comments targeting a group of people.
Question:
Do you report them, argue back, or ignore them?
Report them. Engaging can make things worse. Reporting helps keep online spaces safer for everyone.
You watch a popular video that gives advice, but some of it is misleading or could be harmful.
Question:
Do you share it anyway or warn others?
Warn others. Sharing harmful or false information can be dangerous. It’s better to make sure the content is safe before spreading it.
While playing your favorite online game, you discover a cheat code that would make you win easily. No one else seems to know about it.
Question:
Should you use the cheat or play fairly?
Play fairly. Using cheats is dishonest and can get you banned. Winning honestly feels better and keeps the game fun for everyone.
A new app asks to track your location all the time so it can give personalized suggestions. It seems convenient, but you’re not sure if it’s safe.
Question:
Do you allow full access or limit it for safety?
Limit access. Sharing your location all the time can be risky. Only allow apps to use it when necessary to stay safe.
You come across a negative review about a small business, but you know it’s not true.
Question:
Do you post a correction or stay silent?
Post a correction politely. Sharing accurate information helps the business and prevents misinformation from spreading.
A friend sends you a meme that makes fun of someone at school.
Question:
Do you laugh, share it, or delete it?
Delete it. Sharing or laughing at it can hurt someone and spread negativity. It’s better not to participate and stay kind.
On social media, everyone is posting highly edited and filtered photos. You’re tempted to use filters too, so you’ll fit in.
Question:
Do you post your real photo or use filters?
Post your real photo. Filters can be fun, but being honest about how you look helps you and others feel confident and authentic.
You want to watch the latest movie or play a popular game, but it costs money you don’t have. A friend tells you there’s a free download online.
Question:
Is it okay to download it without paying?
No, it’s not okay. Downloading without paying is stealing and can get you in trouble. You can look for free or legal alternatives instead.
Your friend wants to watch a show on your streaming service, but you know sharing your password is against the rules. They keep asking you to share it.
Question:
Is it okay to share your password?
No, it’s not okay. Sharing passwords can get you in trouble and isn’t safe. You can suggest that your friend use their own account or a free trial instead.
You think of posting a funny video or meme online, but it’s a little risky and could look unprofessional if future employers see it.
Question:
Do you post it or hold back?
Hold back. Once something is online, it can stay there forever and affect your future. It’s better to post things that show you in a positive light.
You’re scrolling through social media and see a group of classmates posting mean comments about another student’s clothes. They tag you, expecting you to join in.
Question:
Do you join in, stay silent, or speak up? What could happen with each choice?
Speak up. Standing up for someone shows kindness and can help stop the bullying. Even a small comment of support can make a big difference.
You’re struggling with a homework assignment and find someone else’s completed work online — it’s exactly what your teacher asked for.
Question:
Do you copy it to save time or do your work?
Do your work. Copying someone else’s assignment is dishonest and can get you in trouble. Doing it yourself helps you learn and grow.
While playing an online game, your friends keep urging you to buy upgrades with real money so you can keep up with them.
Question:
Do you spend money or resist the pressure?
Resist the pressure. Spending money just to fit in can be risky. It’s better to play within your limits and make your own choices.
At the end-of-year picnic, your friend Sam spills pasta all over themselves. You snap a funny photo while they’re laughing. That night, you think about posting it online with the caption “Sam’s last-day style!” — but you never asked Sam.
Some friends say, “It’s just a joke — post it!”
Others say, “Ask first. It’s their picture.”
Question:
Do you post the photo without asking, or do you wait until Sam gives permission? What could happen if you post it anyway?
No, don’t post it. It’s Sam’s picture, so they should decide. Even if it’s funny now, they might not like it later. Asking first keeps you a good friend.
You see an online post asking for donations to a charity. You want to help, but you’re not sure if it’s legitimate.
Question:
Do you donate right away or investigate first?
Investigate first. Make sure the charity is real and trustworthy before donating to avoid scams.
You notice two friends arguing on social media. Their comments are getting heated, and people are starting to take sides.
Question:
Do you step in to mediate, post a comment, or scroll past?
Step in carefully or talk to them privately. Avoid adding fuel to the drama. Helping calmly can prevent misunderstandings and keep friendships strong.
In a group chat for your favorite online game, some players start making fun of new members. To avoid getting teased, you change your profile name and picture to look like someone else. It works — they stop bothering you, and you even get invited to join their team.
Question:
Is it okay to pretend to be someone else to avoid conflict or fit in? What could happen if you do? What could happen if you don’t?
No, it’s not okay. Pretending to be someone else can break trust and might get you in trouble. It’s better to be honest and find friends who accept you for who you are.
You see a viral online challenge that looks risky or unsafe. Many friends are talking about trying it.
Question:
Do you try to fit in, warn others, or ignore it?
Warn others or ignore it. Trying unsafe challenges can be dangerous. Staying safe and helping others avoid harm is the best choice.