Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define and identify cyberbullying.
• Understand why protecting personal information is important.
• Learn how to respond to and report cyberbullying.
• Identify safe and unsafe online content.
• Know to always talk to a trusted adult about online concerns.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on understanding and practicing safe online behaviour, particularly on the internet and social media. In today's digital world, South African children have increasing access to the internet through phones, computers, and tablets. While the internet offers fantastic opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, it also presents risks like cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online scams. It's crucial to equip Grade 5 learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.

Lesson notes

The Internet: The internet is a vast network connecting millions of computers worldwide. It allows us to access information, communicate with others, and share content. Think of it like a giant library and post office combined!

Social Media: These are websites and apps that allow people to create and share content or participate in social networking. Examples in South Africa include WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. It's a place to connect with friends, family, and even learn new things, but it's important to use it wisely.

Personal Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, school name, passwords, photos, and anything else that can be used to identify you. Think of it as your digital ID card.

Cyberbullying: This is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. It can include sending mean texts or emails, posting embarrassing pictures or videos, spreading rumours online, or creating fake profiles. Cyberbullying can be just as harmful, or even more so, than traditional bullying because it can reach a wider audience and can be difficult to escape.

Inappropriate Content: This refers to online material that is unsuitable for children, such as violence, pornography, hate speech, or content that promotes illegal activities. It’s important to recognise this content and know how to avoid it.

Trusted Adult: This is a parent, guardian, teacher, or another adult you feel comfortable talking to about your online concerns. They can offer advice and support if you encounter something that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Why Protecting Your Personal Information is Important: Sharing personal information online can put you at risk.

For example: Identity Theft: Someone could steal your identity and use your information to open accounts or commit crimes in your name.

Cyberstalking: Someone could use your information to track you down and harass you.

Phishing: Someone could send you fake emails or messages pretending to be someone else to trick you into giving them your personal information. (This is a common scam in South Africa!)

Bullying: Someone might use your personal information to bully or embarrass you. What to Do if You Experience Cyberbullying: Don't Respond: Responding can often escalate the situation and give the bully more power.

Save the Evidence: Take screenshots of the bullying messages or posts. This is important if you need to report the incident.

Block the Bully: Block the person who is cyberbullying you so they can no longer contact you.

Tell a Trusted Adult: Talk to a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust about what is happening. They can help you find a solution.

Report the Bullying: You can report cyberbullying to the social media platform or internet service provider. Many platforms have reporting tools specifically for this purpose.

Example Scenario 1: Protecting Personal Information Thando is excited to join a new online gaming community. The website asks for her full name, age, address, and school name. Is it safe for Thando to share this information?

Answer: No, it is not safe. Thando should never share her full name, age, address, or school name with strangers online. She can use a nickname instead of her full name and avoid sharing any information that could identify her.

Example Scenario 2: Identifying Cyberbullying Sipho is playing an online game with his friends. One of the other players starts sending him mean messages, calling him names and saying he is a terrible player. Is this cyberbullying?

Answer: Yes, this is cyberbullying. The mean messages and name-calling are a form of online harassment. Sipho should block the player, save the messages, and tell a trusted adult about what happened. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Lebo's friend, Ayanda, posts a photo of Lebo on Instagram without asking her permission. Lebo is unhappy with the photo. What should Lebo do?

Solution: Lebo should first talk to Ayanda directly and politely ask her to remove the photo. Explain to Ayanda why she is uncomfortable with the photo being online. If Ayanda refuses to remove the photo, Lebo can report the photo to Instagram. She can also talk to a trusted adult, such as her parents or a teacher, for advice and support.

Commentary: This highlights the importance of respecting others' privacy and consent online. It also reinforces the steps to take when someone violates your privacy.

Question 2: John receives a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number asking for his address so they can deliver a "prize" he supposedly won. Should John give them his address? Why or why not?

Solution: No, John should NOT give them his address. This is likely a scam. Legitimate organizations will never ask for personal information like your address over WhatsApp from an unknown number. John should block the number and delete the message.