Cyber Explorer Skills · lesson 6 of 16 · 15 min
My digital safety plan
A digital safety plan is a personal set of rules and habits you follow to stay safe online. Just like a fire escape plan helps you know what to do in an emergency, a digital safety plan helps you know exactly what to do in different online situations — before they happen.
Having a plan means you do not have to think under pressure. When something goes wrong online, you already know the steps: stop, think, and get help. Your plan should cover the most important areas: passwords, privacy, scams, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Your digital safety plan includes: Strong, unique passwords for every account. Keeping personal information private. Thinking before clicking. Telling a trusted adult when something feels wrong. Being kind online. Knowing your trusted adults and how to reach them.
Building your plan — five key questions
1 Who are my trusted adults? Name at least two adults you can go to for help — a parent, teacher, or school counselor. 2 What personal information will I never share online? Full name, address, phone number, school name, passwords, and photos of yourself. 3 How will I create and remember strong passwords? Use passphrases, a password manager, or a system that works for you — never reuse passwords. 4 What will I do if I receive a suspicious message? Do not click, do not respond, save it, and tell a trusted adult. 5 What will I do if someone is unkind to me online? Do not respond, save the evidence, block the person, and tell a trusted adult.
Review and update your plan
A digital safety plan is not something you make once and forget. As you use new apps, devices, and platforms, your plan should grow with you. Review it with a trusted adult at least once a year — or whenever you start using a new service.
The best digital safety plans are simple, specific, and practiced. The more you think about these questions now, the faster you will respond correctly when a real situation happens.
Key words to remember
- Digital safety plan
- Trusted adult
- Personal information
- Passphrase
- Review
Match each safety plan element to its description
Digital safety plan — quiz
What is a digital safety plan?
- A list of websites you are allowed to visit
- A personal set of rules and habits to stay safe online
- A type of antivirus software
- A password manager app
Answer: A personal set of rules and habits to stay safe online
A digital safety plan is your personal guide for staying safe in different online situations.
Which of these should be part of your digital safety plan?
- A list of all your passwords written on paper
- Who your trusted adults are and how to reach them
- Every website you have ever visited
- Your home address and phone number
Answer: Who your trusted adults are and how to reach them
Knowing who to turn to for help is a key part of any digital safety plan.
A digital safety plan only needs to be made once and never updated.
- True
- False
Answer: False
As you use new apps and devices, your digital safety plan should be reviewed and updated.
What should you do if you receive a suspicious message?
- Click the link to see where it goes
- Do not click, save it, and tell a trusted adult
- Forward it to friends
- Reply asking who sent it
Answer: Do not click, save it, and tell a trusted adult
Never click suspicious links. Save the message as evidence and tell a trusted adult.
Why is having a plan better than figuring things out when a problem happens?
- It is not — improvising is better
- Having a plan means you do not have to think under pressure
- Plans are only for adults
- Plans make the internet slower
Answer: Having a plan means you do not have to think under pressure
When you have a plan, you already know the steps — you do not have to figure it out under stress.
You should name at least two trusted adults in your digital safety plan.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Having at least two trusted adults means you always have someone to turn to, even if one is unavailable.
How often should you review your digital safety plan?
- Never — once is enough
- At least once a year, or when you start using a new service
- Every day
- Only when something goes wrong
Answer: At least once a year, or when you start using a new service
Your online life changes over time — your safety plan should keep up with those changes.
What personal information should never be shared online?
- Your favorite color
- Your full name, address, school, and phone number
- Your favorite movie
- Your pet’s name
Answer: Your full name, address, school, and phone number
These details can be used to identify and locate you — they should stay private online.
The best digital safety plans are simple, specific, and practiced.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Simple and specific plans are easier to remember and follow when a real situation happens.
What is the best comparison for a digital safety plan?
- A shopping list
- A fire escape plan — you know what to do before an emergency happens
- A homework assignment
- A list of rules you have to memorize
Answer: A fire escape plan — you know what to do before an emergency happens
Like a fire escape plan, a digital safety plan prepares you to respond correctly before a problem occurs.
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