Staying Safe Online Discussion Topics

The Internet is ubiquitous, and children are going online at increasingly younger ages. Mainly for entertainment but also for educational purposes. However, the Internet is largely unmanaged and cyber threats abound especially for unwary children. So it is important to help teach children about the risks in going online and how to stay safe.

Reading Spid the Spider Helps SuperSpid is a gentle introduction to Internet dangers and how to stay safe online. In the story, Spid the Spider loves watching the superhero SuperSpid battle villains on TV. But when his best friend Bid is scammed out of her money online, fantasy becomes reality. So Spid joins forces with the real-life SuperSpid to track down the cyber trickster Trojan Turpin and save the day!

The book provides a startpoint for a classroom and home discussion and question and answer session on this subject. You could also flipchart or chalk the answers on a blackboard and create an easy reference guide or alternatively print a copy of our ‘Staying Safe Online Poster’.

Staying Safe Online Discussion Topics

1. What are some risks or dangers when using the Internet?

Answer (for discussion):
The Internet can be fun and full of useful things — games, videos, stories, and learning. But just like the real world, there are a few dangers if we’re not careful.

Some people online might:

• Pretend to be someone they’re not.
• Try to trick you into sharing private information (like Bid’s scam email).
• Say unkind things or try to bully others.
• Send or show things that aren’t suitable for children.
• Encourage you to buy or click on things that cost money or download viruses (malicious software (also known as malware)).

👉 Learning points for children:

• Be careful who you talk to — not everyone online is a friend.
• Think before you click or share.
• Always tell an adult if something feels wrong, upsetting, or confusing.

👉 Learning points for parents/teachers:

• Encourage open conversations about what children do online.
• Set time limits and explore safe, child-friendly websites together.
• Teach children to stop, block, and report unsafe behaviour

2. Where are high-risk places online?

Answer (for discussion):
Some places on the Internet are more risky than others — especially when they allow people to chat or share information. Examples of high-risk places include:

• Chat rooms or messaging apps where strangers can talk to you.
• Pop-up competitions, adverts, or “you’ve won a prize!” links (like Bid’s scam).
• Social media sites that aren’t made for children.
• Online games where people can message you while you play.
• Websites asking for personal details (name, age, password, or money).

👉Learning points for children:

• Stick to websites, apps, and games your grown-ups say are safe.
• If someone online asks for information or tries to chat, tell a trusted adult.
• Remember: if you wouldn’t tell something to a stranger in the street, don’t tell it online.

👉Learning points for parents/teachers:

• Use parental controls and safe search filters.
• Check age ratings for games and apps.
• Talk regularly about what children are doing online — curiosity and communication are the best protection.

3. Why did Bid get tricked?

Answer:

• Because she trusted an email from a stranger that promised a prize. She didn’t check if it was real before giving away her personal information.

👉Learning point:

• Not everything online is true. We should always check first and never give personal details to people we don’t know.

4. How did Spid show he was thinking carefully online?

Answer:

• Spid was suspicious of the strange messages and reminded himself not to answer strangers. He also asked questions before acting.

👉Learning point:

• If something doesn’t look right online, stop and think. Always check with a trusted adult before you click or reply.

5. What kind of information should we never share online?

Answer:

• Our full name, address, birthday, school, passwords, bank details, or anything private about ourselves or our families.

👉Learning point:

• Keep personal information safe — only share things you’d be happy for everyone to see.

6.What could Bid have done differently?

Answer:

• She could have asked Spid or another grown-up before replying to the email. She could also have checked if the competition was real by visiting the official website instead of clicking a link.

👉Learning point:

• If something sounds “too good to be true,” it probably is!

7. What did Spid and SuperSpid do to make things right?

Answer:

• They worked together to outsmart the scammer, Trojan Turpin, and get Bid’s money back safely.

👉Learning point:

• Working as a team helps solve problems. Tell an adult right away if something goes wrong online — you’re never alone.

8. Why was Bid’s final message important?

Answer:

• She said she would be much more careful online and tell others to be careful too.

👉Learning point:

• When we learn something useful, we can share it to help keep our friends safe.

9. What can we learn from SuperSpid?

Answer:

• SuperSpid is smart, patient, and uses his knowledge for good. He never rushes or acts without checking first.

👉Learning point:

• Real superheroes use their brains before their brawn — the smartest thing online is to think first.

10. What should you do if you see something upsetting or confusing online?

Answer:

• Tell a trusted adult straight away — like a parent, carer, or teacher.

👉Learning point:

• Don’t keep worries to yourself. Talking helps you stay safe.

11. How can we be kind online like Spid and Bid?

Answer:

• Say nice things, help friends, and don’t post or share things that might hurt others.

👉Learning point:

• Being kind online makes the internet a happier place for everyone.

12. What does this story teach us about being safe and smart online?

Answer:

• Always think before you click, ask if something feels wrong, and never share personal information.

👉Learning point:

• Spid and SuperSpid remind us that careful and clever thinking keeps us safe in cyberspace.