Managing Privacy Online wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps Australian teachers introduce online privacy, digital footprints and safe social media and internet use through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn to recognise how personal information can be shared online, understand why privacy settings and digital choices matter, and practise safer, more thoughtful ways to manage their online presence.
Online Safety, AI & Digital Literacy
Snapshot
Managing Privacy Online
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce online privacy and digital footprint awareness using practical, age-appropriate examples. Feedback: 4.1/5 from 46 teacher ratings
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding digital footprints and managing privacy across social media and internet use
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise what counts as personal information and how it can be shared online
recognise signs that a website, app or account may not be safe or trustworthy
recognise how digital footprints can affect their online reputation
Understand
understand why privacy settings and permissions matter on social media and other platforms
understand that not everything shared or seen online is accurate or true
Practise
practise making safer choices about what personal information to share online
practise using privacy settings and permissions with more confidence
practise thinking critically before accepting, sharing or posting online content
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary students in Years 7 to 9 who are using social media, apps and online platforms regularly and are ready to think more critically about their digital privacy.
It is suitable for:
secondary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
digital literacy or online safety programs
class discussions on responsible technology use
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing online privacy Use when students need a structured introduction to digital footprints, privacy settings and safe sharing habits.
Building digital literacy skills Use when students are learning to think critically about what they see, share or accept online.
Reinforcing respectful online behaviour Use when revisiting expectations around social media use and respectful online communication.
Supporting device or platform use Use when students are using new apps, devices or social media platforms and need a refresher on privacy settings.
Preparing for increased independence online Use when students are gaining more independent access to the internet and social media.
Creating a structured digital literacy discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about privacy, digital choices and online behaviour.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students are making privacy decisions online every day, often without realising how those choices add up over time. Understanding digital footprints and privacy settings helps them make more informed decisions about what they share and who can see it. Managing privacy online is not only about avoiding risk. It also involves building the critical thinking skills to question what is trustworthy, recognise when something feels unsafe and make thoughtful choices about their online presence. This lesson supports a classroom culture where students feel confident navigating social media and the internet, rather than anxious about it. Students learn that they have agency over their digital footprint and that trusted adults are available if something feels unsafe or confusing.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Digital literacy Students learn to think critically about privacy settings, permissions and online content.
Critical thinking Students consider what information online can be trusted and why.
Self-management Students practise making thoughtful choices about what personal information to share.
Respectful communication Students consider how their words and posts affect others online.
Help-seeking Students learn when to ask a trusted adult for support with an online concern.
Digital citizenship Students reinforce safe, respectful and responsible behaviour across online platforms.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind students not to name specific apps, accounts or classmates during discussion
Frame the discussion around general examples and scenarios, not personal disclosures
Make clear that the lesson is about building safer habits, not judging how students currently use technology
Identify trusted adults students can speak to if something online feels unsafe or concerning
During delivery
Use general examples such as accepting unknown friend requests or oversharing personal details
Give students time to discuss privacy settings and digital choices in pairs or small groups
Reinforce that everyone's online habits are different and the focus is on building safer, more thoughtful choices
Allow students to respond through discussion or written reflection depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Encourage privacy over personal disclosure, using scenarios rather than real accounts or profiles
Reinforce that asking a trusted adult for help with an online concern is a responsible choice
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for confident classes
Use written or individual reflection for quieter groups
Spend more time on privacy settings if students need more support recognising practical steps
