When you set out to teach kids online safety, it can feel overwhelming. There are so many rules and warnings to cover. The good news is you do not need to teach everything at once. Starting with one simple habit, pause before you click, gives kids a tool they can remember and use every day.
At Wired Me, we have learned that screen free practice at home helps kids build these habits long before they face real online choices. That is why this post gives you a 5 step chant, a short parent script, and a printable worksheet you can use today.
Why teaching kids online safety works best one rule at a time
Young kids thrive on routines and rhythms. Just like we remind them to look both ways before crossing the street, we can give them one rule for online safety: pause before you click. Keeping it simple makes it easier for kids to slow down, ask for help, and avoid mistakes.
Teach kids online safety with the 5 step chant
Kids remember best when something is short and has a rhythm. That is why we built this chant:
Pause. Read. Think. Ask. Act.
Each word cues the next step:
- Pause – Stop and do not rush.
- Read – Look carefully at what the screen says.
- Think – Ask yourself if it looks safe or right.
- Ask – Check with a grown up if unsure.
- Act – Only click when it is safe.
Practice it like a rhyme, clap it out, or make it part of a family routine.
Call and response parent script
Want to make it stick? Try this playful back and forth with your child:
Parent: “Pause!”
Child: “Read. Think. Ask. Act!”
Repeat it a few times until your child can respond without help. Treat it like a game. The sillier you are, the more they will remember.
Quick practice ideas to teach kids online safety
Here are two ways to practice without screens:
K–2
Write silly pretend messages on slips of paper like:
- “Click here for free ice cream”
- “Your dog can talk if you press this button”
- “Grandma says hi”
Have your child read the note, pause, and decide what to do.
3–5
Write sample “emails” or “links” on index cards:
- “Prize waiting. Enter your name and birthday”
- “School newsletter: pizza day update”
- “Friend: Want to play Roblox later”
Ask your child to walk through the 5 steps before deciding whether to act.
These little practice rounds take just a few minutes and prepare kids for real online moments later.
Download the Pause Worksheet
Download the Pause Before You Click Worksheet and start practicing the chant with your kids today.
Parent note
You do not have to cover every online danger right now. Building one simple pause habit gives kids confidence and sets the stage for deeper safety lessons later.
For more free unplugged digital safety activities, visit CS Unplugged.
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