Online Safety Badge Quest wellbeing lesson plan
Online Safety Badge Quest is a ready-to-teach wellbeing lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps Australian teachers introduce early online safety concepts in a structured, age-appropriate way. Students learn to recognise safe and unsafe online choices, understand simple ways to protect their privacy, and practise using kind, respectful language when interacting online. The lesson gives teachers a calm, practical way to start conversations about digital behaviour, online relationships and asking a trusted adult for help, without relying on fear based messages about technology.
Online Safety, AI & Digital Literacy
Snapshot
Online Safety Badge Quest
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce early online safety concepts to young students.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Recognising safe online choices and practising respectful online behaviour
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 examples of safe and unsafe choices when using devices or going online
recognise that personal information such as their name, address or password should stay private
recognise when an online interaction feels unsafe or uncomfortable
Understand
understand that being kind and respectful online is as important as being kind in person
understand why trusted adults should be involved in decisions about going online
Practise
practise using simple, clear language to describe an online situation to a trusted adult
practise identifying safe choices in simple online scenarios
practise using respectful language when talking about online interactions
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for younger primary students in Years 1 and 2 who are beginning to learn about online safety, digital choices and respectful online behaviour. It suits students who are just starting to use devices at school or home and need simple, consistent language for staying safe.
It is suitable for:
primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care, circle time or advisory sessions
early digital citizenship or online safety programs
class discussions introducing safe 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 safety for the first time Use when students are beginning to use devices at school and need foundational language for safe online choices.
Building classroom culture around technology use Use when setting expectations for respectful, safe device use in the classroom.
Supporting inclusion in online spaces Use when reinforcing that kindness and respect apply to online interactions as much as face to face ones.
Practising safe responses Use when students are learning what to do if an online interaction feels unsafe or confusing.
Reinforcing privacy basics Use when revisiting why personal information should stay private online.
Preparing for more device or internet use Use when students are about to start new digital learning activities or increase their time online at school.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Young students are increasingly exposed to devices and online interactions, often before they have the language to describe what feels safe or unsafe. Teaching online safety early gives students practical tools they can use as their access to technology grows. This lesson supports a proactive approach to online safety by helping students build simple habits around privacy, respectful communication and asking for help. Rather than focusing on fear of technology, the lesson helps students understand that most online experiences can be positive when they know how to make safe choices. For teachers, this lesson offers a straightforward way to introduce digital citizenship concepts before more complex online safety topics are covered in later years.
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 awareness Students recognise simple examples of safe and unsafe online choices.
Privacy awareness Students understand which personal details should stay private online.
Respectful communication Students practise using kind, respectful language in online scenarios.
Help-seeking Students learn to describe an online concern to a trusted adult.
Critical thinking Students consider why some online choices are safer than others.
Online relationship skills Students recognise that respect and kindness apply to online interactions.
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, games or people they have had contact with online
Frame discussion around general examples rather than personal experiences
Identify trusted adults students can speak to at school about online concerns
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use simple, concrete examples such as keeping a password private or being kind in a message
Give students time to practise simple phrases for asking for help
Keep the tone calm and reassuring rather than focused on danger
Allow students to respond through discussion, drawing or simple role play depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help with something online is a responsible choice
Remind students that privacy means not sharing personal details, not keeping secrets from trusted adults
Follow school child safety procedures if any concerns arise during discussion
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or drawing for students who are less confident speaking in front of the class
Spend more time on identifying trusted adults if students need extra support
Extend discussion with simple scenarios for students who are ready for more detail
