Computer Science: Personal Health and Safety – Grade 1

The Internet is an amazing place where computers all over the world are connected together! 🌍💻 It's like having a magic door that lets you visit different places and learn new things. But just like in the real world, there are some places and people online that might not be safe for children.

The Internet is like a giant spider web that connects computers everywhere. When you use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to go online, you're joining this big web of computers. This lets you:

• Watch fun videos 📹
• Play educational games 🎮
• Video chat with family members 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Learn about animals, space, and other cool topics 🦁🚀

Just like your parents teach you not to talk to strangers at the park, there are strangers online too. These online strangers might:

• Try to trick you by pretending to be someone they're not 😟
• Show you pictures or videos that are scary or not meant for kids
• Ask you questions about where you live or go to school
• Try to get you to meet them in person

Think of websites like different stores in a big mall. Some stores are perfect for kids, like toy stores and ice cream shops! 🧸🍦 But other stores might be just for grown-ups. The same is true for websites:

• Kid-friendly websites have fun games, educational videos, and content made just for you
• Grown-up websites might have content that's confusing, scary, or not appropriate for first graders
• Unsafe websites might try to trick you or show you things that could make you feel uncomfortable

Some things online are made for older kids or adults, just like how some movies are rated for different ages. Content that's not right for first graders might include:

• Scary or violent images that could give you nightmares 😰
• Words or language that you shouldn't use
• Complicated topics that are meant for older students
• Advertisements trying to sell things to kids

The good news is that you can stay safe online by following simple rules! 🛡️ Just like you look both ways before crossing the street, you can learn to recognize when something online doesn't feel right. If you ever see something that makes you feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable, the most important thing to do is:

1. Stop what you're doing
2. Tell a trusted adult right away
3. Remember that it's not your fault if you see something inappropriate

Adults are there to help keep you safe, both in the real world and online. They know how to handle these situations and will make sure you're protected.

Before you ride your bike outside or go to a friend's house, you ask your parents for permission, right? 🚲🏠 The same rule applies when you want to use any device that can connect to the Internet! This isn't because adults want to spoil your fun - it's because they love you and want to keep you safe.

Network-capable devices are any electronic devices that can connect to the Internet. These include:

Common devices you might use:

• Computers (desktop and laptop) 💻
• Tablets (like iPads) 📱
• Smartphones 📞
• Smart TVs that can play videos from the Internet 📺
• Gaming devices that can go online 🎮
• Smart watches that connect to the Internet ⌚

Even if a device looks like a regular toy, it might be able to connect to the Internet. Some toys today can talk to other devices or download new games!

Adults have special knowledge about how to use technology safely. They're like your personal bodyguards in the digital world! 🛡️ Here's what adults do to protect you:

They know which websites are safe:

• Adults can tell the difference between kid-friendly sites and grown-up sites
• They know which games and videos are appropriate for your age
• They can spot websites that might try to trick you

They understand online dangers:

• Adults know how to recognize when someone online might be lying about who they are
• They can identify scams or tricks that might try to steal information
• They know what to do if something goes wrong online

They can help you learn:

• Adults can teach you how to use technology in fun and educational ways
• They can show you cool websites and games that will help you learn
• They can answer your questions about things you see online

Asking permission before using connected devices is a simple but important safety rule. Here's how it works:

Before you use any device that can go online:

1. Find a trusted adult (parent, teacher, or guardian)
2. Ask "May I please use [device name] to [what you want to do]?"
3. Wait for their answer before touching the device
4. Follow any rules they give you about how to use it safely

Example conversations:

• "Mom, may I please use the tablet to play educational games?"
• "Dad, can I use the computer to watch videos about dinosaurs?"
• "Teacher, may I use the classroom computer to work on my project?"

Sometimes kids think that asking permission is annoying or that adults are being mean. But the permission rule exists because adults love you and want to protect you! 💕 Think about it this way:

• When you ask to cross a busy street, adults help you look for cars
• When you want to try a new food, adults make sure it's safe to eat
• When you want to go online, adults make sure the digital world is safe for you

The permission rule helps adults:

• Know where you are in the digital world
• Guide you to age-appropriate content
• Be available to help if you have questions or problems
• Teach you how to make good choices online

As you get older and show that you understand safety rules, adults will gradually give you more independence online. But for now, asking permission helps you learn these important skills:

• How to communicate with adults about technology
• How to think about safety before acting
• How to make good choices when using digital devices
• How to build trust with the adults who care about you

Remember, asking permission isn't about adults not trusting you - it's about all of you working together to keep you safe while you learn and have fun! 🌟

Your personal information is like a special treasure that belongs only to you! 💎 Just like you wouldn't give your favorite toy to a stranger, you should never give your personal information to people you don't know online. Learning to protect this information is one of the most important skills for staying safe in the digital world.

Personal information is any information that is special and unique to you. It's like your personal ID card that tells people who you are and where you can be found. Your personal information includes:

Basic information about you:

• Your full name (first and last name) 📛
• Your age and birthday 🎂
• Your address (where you live) 🏠
• Your phone number 📞
• Your school name and which class you're in 🏫

Family information:

• Your parents' names and where they work
• Your siblings' names and ages
• Your family's phone numbers and email addresses
• Where your grandparents or other family members live

Pictures and videos:

• Photos of you and your family 📸
• Videos of you playing, learning, or at home
• Pictures of your house, room, or neighborhood
• Photos that show your school uniform or school name

Think of your personal information like the key to your house. 🗝️ You wouldn't give your house key to a stranger because they could use it to get into your home when you're not there. Personal information works the same way - it can be used by bad people to:

Find you in the real world:

• If strangers know your school name, they might try to find you there
• If they know your address, they might come to your house
• If they know your schedule, they might know when you'll be alone

Pretend to know you:

• Bad people might use your information to trick your friends or family
• They could pretend to be calling from your school or doctor's office
• They might use details about your life to make you think they're safe

Steal your identity:

• Some criminals use kids' personal information to pretend to be them
• They might use your information to sign up for things online
• This can cause problems for you and your family

You already know not to talk to strangers in person, but this rule is even more important online! 👤❌ Here's why:

Online strangers are trickier:

• They can pretend to be kids when they're really adults
• They might use fake photos to look like someone they're not
• They can lie about their age, where they live, or what they do
• They might seem really nice at first to gain your trust

It's harder to tell who's safe online:

• You can't see their face or hear their real voice
• They might know information about things you like to seem friendly
• They could be using information from your social media or photos
• Even if they seem to know your friends, they might be lying

The grown-ups in your life are like security guards for your personal information! 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️ They help protect you by:

Controlling what gets shared:

• Deciding which photos and videos are safe to post online
• Making sure your full name isn't visible to strangers
• Keeping your address and phone number private
• Setting privacy settings on any accounts or profiles

Teaching you what to share and what not to share:

• Helping you understand which information is okay to tell friends
• Showing you how to recognize when someone is asking inappropriate questions
• Teaching you how to respond if someone asks for personal information
• Explaining why certain details should always stay secret

Monitoring your online activities:

• Checking the websites you visit to make sure they're safe
• Reading messages or comments you receive online
• Making sure you're not accidentally sharing too much information
• Being available to help if someone makes you uncomfortable

If anyone online (or even in person) asks you for personal information, here's exactly what you should do:

Step 1: Stop and think 🛑

• Ask yourself: "Do I know this person in real life?"
• Remember: Even if they seem nice, strangers shouldn't ask for this information
• Trust your feelings - if something feels wrong, it probably is

Step 2: Don't give any information 🚫

• Don't type or say your name, address, school, or any personal details
• Don't send photos or videos
• Don't tell them anything about your family or schedule

Step 3: Tell a trusted adult immediately 🗣️

• Find your parent, teacher, or guardian right away
• Tell them exactly what happened and what the person asked
• Show them the message or conversation if you can
• Don't worry about getting in trouble - you did the right thing!

Protecting your personal information is a habit that you'll use your whole life! 🌱 Start building these good habits now:

• Think before you share: Always ask yourself if information is safe to share
• Ask an adult: When in doubt, check with a grown-up before sharing anything
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, listen to that feeling
• Be proud of being safe: Following these rules shows you're smart and responsible!

Remember, keeping your personal information private doesn't mean you can't have fun online or make friends. It just means you're being smart and safe while you enjoy all the amazing things technology has to offer! 🌟

Imagine if you ate pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day! 🍕 Even though pizza is delicious, your body needs different kinds of food to stay healthy and strong. The same thing is true with activities - even though screens and digital devices are fun and educational, your body and brain need different kinds of activities to grow and develop properly.

Unplugged activities are all the fun things you can do without using any electronic devices or screens. Think of them as "old-fashioned" fun that kids have enjoyed for hundreds of years! 🌟 These activities don't need batteries, WiFi, or electricity - just you and your imagination!

Physical unplugged activities:

• Reading physical books with real pages you can turn 📖
• Playing sports like soccer, basketball, or swimming 🏃‍♀️⚽
• Riding bikes or scooters around your neighborhood 🚲
• Playing on playgrounds with swings, slides, and monkey bars 🛝
• Dancing to music or making up your own dance moves 💃
• Building with blocks, LEGOs, or other construction toys 🧱

Creative unplugged activities:

• Drawing and coloring with crayons, markers, or paint 🎨
• Playing with puzzles that you put together with your hands 🧩
• Making crafts with paper, glue, and other materials ✂️
• Playing pretend and using your imagination to create stories 🎭
• Singing songs or learning to play musical instruments 🎵
• Cooking or baking simple recipes with family 👨‍🍳

Social unplugged activities:

• Playing board games or card games with friends and family 🎲
• Having conversations and telling stories to each other 💬
• Playing outdoor games like tag, hide-and-seek, or hopscotch 🏃‍♂️
• Helping with chores and feeling proud of contributing to your family 🧹
• Exploring nature and looking for interesting rocks, leaves, or bugs 🌿

Your body and brain are like amazing machines that need different types of "fuel" to work their best. Unplugged activities provide special benefits that screens can't give you:

For your body:

• Exercise helps your muscles grow strong and your heart stay healthy 💪
• Fresh air and sunlight give you vitamin D and help you sleep better at night 🌞
• Using your hands to build, draw, or play helps develop fine motor skills ✋
• Running and jumping helps improve your balance and coordination 🤸‍♀️

For your brain:

• Reading books improves your imagination and vocabulary 🧠
• Problem-solving with puzzles and games makes you smarter 🧩
• Creative activities help you express yourself and think in new ways 🎨
• Social interaction teaches you how to communicate and make friends 👫

For your emotions:

• Playing outside can make you feel happier and less stressed 😊
• Accomplishing goals (like finishing a puzzle) builds confidence 🏆
• Spending time with family strengthens your relationships ❤️
• Using your imagination helps you process feelings and experiences 🌈

Screens and digital devices are wonderful tools, but like any tool, they work best when used in moderation. Here's what can happen when you spend too much time on screens:

Physical effects:

• Tired eyes from looking at bright screens for too long 👀
• Headaches from straining to focus on small screens 🤕
• Sore neck and back from hunching over devices 😣
• Trouble sleeping because screens can make your brain think it's daytime 😴
• Less physical activity which can make your muscles weak 💤

Mental and emotional effects:

• Difficulty concentrating on activities that don't involve screens 😵‍💫
• Feeling cranky or upset when screen time ends 😤
• Less creativity because you're not using your imagination as much 🎭
• Trouble with social skills because you're spending less time talking to people face-to-face 😶

The goal isn't to never use screens - technology is a valuable part of learning and life! Instead, the goal is to create a healthy balance where you get the benefits of both digital and unplugged activities. 🎯

Signs of a healthy balance:

• You feel excited about both screen activities and non-screen activities
• You can easily stop using a device when it's time to do something else
• You sleep well at night and wake up feeling rested
• You enjoy spending time with family and friends without needing a device
• You feel physically strong and energetic
• You can focus on activities like reading or homework without getting distracted

Tips for creating balance:

Set up screen-free zones:

• Keep devices out of your bedroom so you sleep better 🛏️
• Have screen-free meals where you talk with your family 🍽️
• Create a special reading corner with comfy pillows and good lighting 📚

Plan fun unplugged activities:

• Choose one new unplugged activity to try each week 🗓️
• Invite friends over for non-screen playdates 👫
• Help your family plan outdoor adventures like park visits or nature walks 🌳

Use timers and schedules:

• Set a timer when using devices so you know when to stop ⏰
• Alternate between screen time and unplugged time throughout the day ⚖️
• Have special unplugged time before bed to help your brain relax 🌙

Make unplugged activities exciting:

• Create art projects and display them proudly in your room 🖼️
• Start a garden and watch plants grow from seeds 🌱
• Learn a new skill like juggling, origami, or magic tricks ✨
• Build elaborate structures with blocks or create obstacle courses 🏗️

Creating a healthy balance with technology works best when your whole family participates! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 You can:

• Talk with your parents about which unplugged activities you'd like to try
• Set family goals like having one screen-free hour each evening
• Plan special activities that everyone can enjoy together
• Be a good example by showing enthusiasm for unplugged activities
• Help create family rules about when and how to use devices

Remember, balance doesn't mean giving up technology - it means using it as one part of a rich, varied, and healthy lifestyle! When you find the right balance, you'll feel happier, healthier, and more creative. You'll also be building habits that will help you throughout your entire life! 🌟