Think Before You Tap: 3 Online Safety Tips for Students

Whether they’re taking online classes, chatting with friends, playing games, or scrolling through social media, students spend a lot of time online. While the internet offers exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun, it’s important for students to know how to navigate these spaces safely. 

At Iowa Virtual Academy (IAVA), we encourage students to develop online habits that help them stay safe, protect their privacy, and make responsible choices. 

Here are three online safety tips every student should know! 

1. Think Before You Tap!

Ever received a random message or link that you didn’t recognize? Or a friend request from someone you don’t know?  

Not everything online is trustworthy, and some messages are designed to trick people into sharing personal information or downloading harmful content. 

Before clicking any link, opening a document, or responding to another account, take a moment to look into if it is safe or not. 

Remember: 

• Avoid clicking links from people you don’t recognize 

• Be cautious of messaging that claims to have free prizes or rewards 

• Don’t accept friend requests that you don’t know 

• Ask an adult if something seems off 

2. Keep It Private!

Sharing photos, playing online games, and connecting with friends online is fun, but not everything needs to be on the internet. 

Make sure personal information such as your home address, phone number, passwords, and locations are staying private. 

Even seemingly harmless details shared in posts or group chats can reveal more personal information than you realize. 

Remember: 

• Use strong, unique passwords 

• Never share passwords with your friends 

• Check privacy settings on your apps 

• Avoid posting personal information or your location 

3. Don’t Feed the Drama!

Group chats, comments, and social media are all great ways to connect with our friends and family, but online conversations aren’t always positive. 

Whether it’s a mean comment, an embarrassing screenshot, or a disagreement in a group chat, what happens online can have consequences. Remember that your digital footprint includes things you post, share, and comment on, even if they are deleted later on. 

Remember: 

• Think before posting or sending a message 

• Treat others with the same respect as you would in person 

• Don’t participate in spreading hurtful messages 

• If someone is being targeted online, tell a trusted adult 

Building Smart Online Habits 

Practicing online digital safety can help create a more positive experience in virtual classrooms, group chats, online games, and more. 

Parents and guardians can help by having conversations about online habits, reviewing privacy settings, and encouraging students to speak up when something seems off.  

At Iowa Virtual Academy, we believe developing responsible online habits is an important step to helping students build confidence as they learn and grow. 

Stay smart, stay kind, and think before you tap! 

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