Cyber security is about staying safe when you use the internet, just like looking both ways before crossing the road. 👉 Think of it like a digital shield 🛡️ that keeps bad people out.
- Your personal information (name, school, address)
- Your photos and videos
- Your devices (phones, tablets, computers)
- Play games
- Watch videos
- Talk to friends
- Learn new things
- Not everyone is who they say they are
- Some people pretend to be someone else
- Some try to trick or steal from you
Try to use your device where a parent or adult can see you. If something strange happens, you're not alone.
- In the living room
- At the kitchen table
- Somewhere a parent can see your screen
- Adults can spot danger you might miss
- You won't feel alone if something goes wrong
- It's easier to ask for help right away
If you don't know someone in real life, they are a stranger online too even if they seem friendly.
- "I'm your age, let's be friends"
- "Don't tell your parents about me"
- "I have cool games/gifts for you"
- Do not reply to unknown people
- Tell a parent or trusted adult
- Block and report
Online strangers might not be who they say they are. A person saying they are a child could actually be an adult.
Some information is private, it belongs to you and your family. Never share it online with people you don't know in real life.
School uniform can reveal your school
Street signs can show where you live
Credit cards visible in background photos
Photos can be copied, shared, or misused
Once something is online, it can be very hard to remove. Think before you post or share!
Scammers use fake prizes and offers to trick you into giving them your information or money.
- "You won a free iPhone!"
- "Click here for free game coins!"
- "Send me something and I'll send you more!"
- Fake emails saying you won something
- Did I enter a competition?
- Is this asking for personal details?
- Does it feel too good to be true?
- Never click suspicious links
- Never give out your details
- Tell a parent immediately
A safe word is a secret word you agree on with your family. It helps you check if someone really was sent by your parents.
Choose something unusual and memorable like "PurpleTiger" or "BlueBanana". Only your family knows it.
Ask: "What's the safe word?" If they don't know it ❌ do not trust them.
Never share your safe word online or with people outside your family. It only works if it stays private!
Cyberbullying is when someone is mean or hurtful online. It can happen to anyone and it is never okay.
- Mean or hurtful messages
- Making fun of someone online
- Sharing embarrassing photos
- Leaving hurtful comments
- Don't reply to the bully
- Take a screenshot as evidence
- Tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult
- Block the person
In the UAE and many countries, cyberbullying and sharing private photos without permission can lead to serious legal consequences.
Before you click, share, or reply, ask yourself these important questions:
Ria Sethi is the founder of Cyber for Youth, an organisation dedicated to keeping young people safe online. Here is her advice:
You are protected online! Different countries have real laws that punish people who try to harm you on the internet.
Cyberbullying and scams can lead to serious legal punishment under UAE cybercrime laws.
Hacking into accounts or devices
Running online scams
Sharing private photos without permission
Cyberbullying and online harassment
Being unsafe online doesn't just put you at risk, doing harmful things online can also get you in trouble with the law.
Did you know these amazing things about the internet and staying safe online?
Over 5 billion people use the internet around the world that's more than half the planet!
A strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols is much harder to guess than a simple word or birthday.
Every time you go online, you leave a trail called a digital footprint even if you think you deleted it!
The internet is like a huge city full of amazing things, but also risks. You need to know the rules to stay safe.
A photo or message posted online can be very difficult or impossible to fully remove. Always think before you post!
What should you do if someone online asks where you live?
What is a scam?
What should you do if something feels weird or scary online?
Should you talk to strangers online?
What is cyberbullying?
What is a safe word and why is it useful?
Why shouldn't you share personal photos online?
Where is the safest place to use the internet?
What should you think if you suddenly "win" something online?
Is cyberbullying ever okay?
Complete all 5 steps to build your very own Digital Shield!
Pick a fun secret word with your parents like "PurpleTiger" or "StarMango". Only your family knows it.
Write 3–5 personal rules and keep them near your device. Examples: "I use my device near a parent", "I don't talk to strangers", "I don't share personal details".
With a parent, look at example messages and ask: Is this real? Is it asking for information? Is it too good to be true?
For one week: only send kind messages online. Report or tell an adult if you see bullying happening to anyone.
Talk together: What if a stranger messages you? What if someone asks for a photo? When should you tell an adult?
Ignore it and tell a parent or trusted adult immediately.
A trick to steal your information or money.
Tell a trusted adult straight away.
No, online strangers might not be who they claim to be.
Being mean or hurtful to someone online.
A secret family word to check if someone was really sent by your parents.
They can be copied, shared, or misused without your permission.
Near a parent or trusted adult where they can see the screen.
It is probably a scam, be very careful and tell a parent.
No, cyberbullying is never okay and can even be illegal.
Staying safe online, protecting your information and devices from harm.
Use devices near adults, never talk to strangers, never share personal info or photos.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never click suspicious links or share details.
A secret family word used to check whether someone was really sent by your parents.
Being mean or hurtful online. Don't reply screenshot and tell a trusted adult.
Stay smart. Stay kind. Stay safe online. And always remember, if you're unsure, talk to a parent or trusted adult! 💪🌐
Written for Kids. Surprisingly Useful for Adults.