Cyber Explorer Skills · lesson 10 of 16 · 15 min
Trusted adult check-in
A trusted adult check-in is a regular conversation with a parent, guardian, or teacher about your online life. Just like you might talk about your day at school, talking about your online experiences helps trusted adults understand what you are doing and help you stay safe.
These conversations are not about getting in trouble — they are about staying connected and getting support when you need it. The best time to build that trust is before there is a problem, not after.
What to talk about in a check-in: New apps or games you have started using, anything that made you uncomfortable online, friends you have made online, questions you have about staying safe, and anything you are not sure about.
What makes a good check-in?
New apps and games Tell a trusted adult about new platforms you are using so they can help you use them safely. Uncomfortable moments Share anything that made you feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable online. Online friends Talk about people you have met online — trusted adults can help you evaluate whether they are safe. Questions Ask about anything you are not sure about — there are no silly questions when it comes to safety. Privacy settings Ask a trusted adult to help you review and update your privacy settings on apps you use. Things you saw online If you saw something confusing, upsetting, or inappropriate, talk about it with a trusted adult.
Why check-ins matter
Trusted adults cannot help you with online problems they do not know about. Regular check-ins keep the lines of communication open so you feel comfortable coming to them when something goes wrong.
Research shows that children who talk openly with trusted adults about their online experiences are better protected from online dangers. You do not have to face the internet alone — and you should not.
Key words to remember
- Trusted adult check-in
- Open communication
- Privacy settings
- Support
- Proactive
Match each check-in topic to why it matters
Trusted adult check-in — quiz
What is the purpose of a trusted adult check-in?
- To get permission to use more screen time
- To talk about your online experiences and get support
- To show a trusted adult every message you receive
- To report every website you visit
Answer: To talk about your online experiences and get support
Check-ins are about open communication and getting support — not surveillance.
You should only talk to a trusted adult about online problems after they become very serious.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Regular check-ins before problems arise build trust and make it easier to ask for help when needed.
Which topic is good to bring up in a trusted adult check-in?
- A new game you started playing online
- Your friend’s home address
- Your school’s Wi-Fi password
- Someone else’s private messages
Answer: A new game you started playing online
Sharing new apps and games with trusted adults helps them understand your online world and keep you safe.
Why are regular check-ins better than only talking when something goes wrong?
- They are not — waiting is better
- They build trust before a problem happens, making it easier to ask for help
- They take too much time
- Adults prefer to only hear about serious problems
Answer: They build trust before a problem happens, making it easier to ask for help
Building trust through regular conversations makes it much easier to ask for help when you really need it.
Trusted adults cannot help you with online problems they do not know about.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Adults can only help when they know what is happening. Regular check-ins keep them informed.
What should you do if something online made you feel uncomfortable?
- Keep it to yourself
- Tell a trusted adult during a check-in or immediately if serious
- Post about it online
- Ignore it and keep browsing
Answer: Tell a trusted adult during a check-in or immediately if serious
Sharing uncomfortable online experiences with trusted adults helps them protect you.
What is open communication?
- Sharing all your passwords
- Talking honestly and regularly with trusted adults about your online life
- Posting everything publicly online
- Leaving all your accounts open
Answer: Talking honestly and regularly with trusted adults about your online life
Open communication means being honest with trusted adults about what you do and see online.
There are no silly questions when it comes to online safety.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Asking questions — even ones that seem small — is always better than making an unsafe decision alone.
What is a proactive approach to online safety?
- Waiting until something goes wrong to ask for help
- Taking action before a problem happens — like regular check-ins
- Only using the internet for schoolwork
- Never using social media
Answer: Taking action before a problem happens — like regular check-ins
Being proactive means building good habits and communication before problems arise.
Who should you have regular online check-ins with?
- A stranger online
- A trusted adult — parent, guardian, or teacher
- Your best friend only
- No one — handle it yourself
Answer: A trusted adult — parent, guardian, or teacher
Trusted adults in your life — not strangers online — are the right people to have these conversations with.
Previous lesson: Privacy detective
Back to Cyber Explorer Skills
Next lesson: Digital kindness challenge