Online Safety – SEN Life Skills Module

Support learners in developing the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Designed for teenagers and young adults, this practical PDF resource is particularly suitable for SEN learners, alternative provision, supported learning, Functional Skills and Preparing for Adulthood programmes. Through realistic scenarios and engaging discussion activities, learners explore common online risks while developing the skills to make safe, informed decisions when using the internet, social media and digital technologies.

The resource covers a broad range of contemporary online safety topics, helping learners build digital confidence while promoting responsible online behaviour.

What’s Included

• Activities exploring how to identify reliable online information
• Tasks investigating fake news, clickbait and AI-generated or AI-altered images
• Realistic examples of online scams, phishing emails and misleading adverts
• Activities exploring social media and its impact on wellbeing and mental health
• Password security and online account protection tasks
• Activities focusing on messaging apps and safe online communication
• Online gaming scenarios promoting respectful behaviour and digital citizenship
• Scenario-based discussion prompts and reflection activities
• Visual worksheets and role-play opportunities
• A child-friendly glossary of key online safety vocabulary
• Answer sheets for reading comprehension activities

Skills Developed

• Evaluating the reliability of online information
• Recognising fake news, scams and phishing attempts
• Understanding the influence of AI-generated content and manipulated images
• Developing safe password and account security habits
• Using social media responsibly and understanding its impact on wellbeing
• Demonstrating respectful communication in online communities and gaming environments
• Applying digital literacy and critical thinking skills in real-world situations
• Building confidence, independence and responsible online behaviour

Accessibility

The resource is presented in a dyslexia-friendly 14pt font to support accessibility. Clear language, realistic examples and structured discussion activities enable learners to explore online safety in an engaging, supportive and age-appropriate way while developing confidence in managing digital risks.

Ideal For

SEN, SEND, Alternative Provision, Supported Learning, Functional Skills, Functional English, Life Skills, Digital Literacy, Online Safety, Internet Safety, Cyber Safety, PSHE, Personal Development, Independent Living, Preparing for Adulthood, KS3, KS4, KS5 and learners developing safe and responsible online behaviours.