Red Flag / Green Flag Scenario Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario. Discuss with your group whether it contains "Red Flags" (warning signs) or "Green Flags" (safe practices/positive interactions). Be prepared to explain your reasoning.

Scenario 1

Message: "Hey! I saw your profile and you look amazing. I'm a successful entrepreneur and want to help you make a lot of money. Just need your bank details to set up direct deposit for your first payment."
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 2

Message: "Hi, it was great connecting with you on the hiking trail today! I found you on social media, hope you don't mind. Loved hearing about your favorite local spots."
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 3

Message: "Can you send me a picture of yourself doing something silly? Just for laughs, my friends and I are doing a challenge. No one else will see it!"
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 4

Message: "This profile is so cool! I'm really into sustainable living too. What are your thoughts on urban gardening? I'd love to swap tips."
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 5

Message: "My phone broke and I lost all my contacts! Can you urgently lend me some money? I'll pay you back next week, promise. Don't tell anyone about this, it's embarrassing."
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 6

Message: "I just received an email from my bank saying my account has been compromised. It has a link to click and verify my details immediately or my account will be frozen."
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 7

Message: "I enjoyed our chat on the forum about classic cars. I noticed your privacy settings are quite open; have you considered adjusting them to control who sees your posts?"
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 8

Message: A new online acquaintance is constantly asking you where you are, who you're with, and demanding immediate responses to their messages.
Type: Red Flag / Green Flag?



Why?

My Privacy Settings Checklist

Instructions: Use this checklist to review and adjust your privacy settings on your favorite social media, messaging, and other online platforms. Take your time and make sure you understand each setting.

General Accounts (Email, Social Media, etc.)

1. Password Strength:
   • Is my password strong (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols)?
     
     
     
   • Do I use unique passwords for different accounts?
     
     
     
   • Action: If no, change to a stronger, unique password.
     
     
     
     
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
   • Is 2FA enabled on all my important accounts (email, banking, social media)?
     
     
     
   • Action: If no, enable 2FA for added security.
     
     
     
     
3. Privacy Settings Review:
   • Have I reviewed who can see my posts, photos, and personal information?
     
     
     
   • Am I comfortable with my current audience settings (e.g., 'Friends Only' vs. 'Public')?
     
     
     
   • Action: Adjust settings to limit visibility as desired.
     
     
     
     
4. Tagging and Mentions:
   • Do I approve tags/mentions before they appear on my profile?
     
     
     
   • Action: If no, enable tag/mention review.
     
     
     
     
5. Location Services:
   • Are location services turned off for apps that don't need them?
     
     
     
   • Do I avoid publicly sharing my real-time location?
     
     
     
   • Action: Review and disable location sharing for unnecessary apps.
     
     
     
     

Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.)

6. Read Receipts:
   • Are read receipts enabled or disabled based on my preference?
     
     
     
   • Action: Adjust as preferred.
     
     
     
     
7. "Last Seen" / Online Status:
   • Have I adjusted who can see my "last seen" or online status?
     
     
     
   • Action: Limit visibility if preferred.
     
     
     
     
8. Profile Photo/About Info:
   • Have I set who can view my profile photo and "About" information?
     
     
     
   • Action: Limit visibility to contacts only or as preferred.
     
     
     
     

General Online Habits

9. Clicking Links:
   • Do I think twice before clicking on suspicious links?
     
     
     
   • Action: Always hover over links to check the URL, or type the address directly.
     
     
     
     
10. Sharing Personal Information:
    • Do I avoid sharing sensitive personal details (full address, SSN, bank info) online unless absolutely necessary and secure?
      
      
      
    • Action: Be extremely cautious with personal data.
      
      
      
      

My Personal Safety Goal: What is one specific privacy setting you will review or change this week?

Refusal Text Templates: Teacher Script

(Teacher introduces the topic of confident communication)

"Alright everyone, we've talked about spotting red flags and understanding our privacy. Now, let's move to one of the most powerful tools you have for online safety: confident communication. This means knowing how to say 'no' clearly and how to send safety messages when you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It’s about taking control of your online interactions."

"Sometimes, people might ask you for things online that make you feel uneasy, or they might pressure you into sharing information you don't want to. It’s vital to remember that you always have the right to refuse. You don't owe anyone an explanation or an apology for setting your boundaries."

(Teacher presents example refusal templates)

"Let's look at some examples of clear refusal messages. These are short, direct, and leave no room for misinterpretation. We'll practice using these, and you can adapt them to fit your own style."

Student Refusal Text Templates

• Simple & Direct: "No, thank you."
  
  
  
• Setting a Boundary: "I'm not comfortable with that."
  
  
  
• Ending a Conversation: "This conversation is over."
  
  
  
• No Explanation Needed: "I'm not going to do that."
  
  
  
• Redirecting: "Let's stick to [safe topic] instead."
  
  
  

(Teacher transitions to safety messages)

"Beyond saying 'no,' there might be times when you need to send a safety message. This could be to communicate a boundary, inform someone of your concerns, or alert a trusted contact about a situation. These messages help you maintain control and seek support."

Student Safety Message Templates

• Stepping Away: "I need to go offline now."
  
  
  
• Expressing Discomfort: "I feel uncomfortable with this conversation."
  
  
  
• Seeking External Input: "I need to check with a friend/family member about this."
  
  
  
• Setting Clear Expectations: "Please do not message me about [topic] again."
  
  
  
• Alerting a Trusted Contact (Example to a friend): "Hey, I'm feeling a bit weird about this online chat. Can I call you?"
  
  
  

(Teacher facilitates role-play and discussion)

"Now, let's practice using these! I'm going to give you a few scenarios, and with a partner, I want you to role-play how you would use one of these templates – or create your own version – to respond. Remember, the goal is clear, confident communication."

(Teacher guides participants through role-playing the scenarios from Red Flag/Green Flag Scenario Cards or new ones, focusing on using the templates.)

"What did you notice during the role-play? Was it easy or difficult to use these phrases? What felt most effective?"












"Remember, practicing these messages helps build your confidence. The more you use them, the easier it becomes to protect yourself online."

Spot the Scam Relay

Objective: To quickly identify common online scams and explain why they are scams.

Materials:

• Red Flag/Green Flag Scenario Cards (or new "Scam Scenario Cards" if preferred, with specific scam types)
• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• Timer (optional)

Setup:

1. Divide participants into 2-3 teams.
2. Designate a "relay line" for each team.
3. Place a stack of "Scam Scenario Cards" (or selected Red Flag/Green Flag Scenario Cards focusing on scams) at a central point.
4. Designate an area for each team to write down their answers (e.g., a mini-whiteboard or a section on a larger board).

How to Play:

1. The Start: When the teacher says "Go!", the first person from each team "relays" (walks quickly, no running) to the central card stack.
2. Pick a Card: The participant picks one "Scam Scenario Card."
3. Read & Run Back: They read the scenario and relay back to their team.
4. Team Discussion (Brief!): The team quickly discusses the scenario and identifies:
   • What kind of scam it is (e.g., phishing, romance scam, lottery scam, tech support scam).
   • The specific "red flags" that indicate it's a scam.
   • What the safe action would be.
5. Write the Answer: One team member (not necessarily the one who picked the card) then relays to their team's designated writing area and writes down:
   • The type of scam (if identifiable).
   • At least one clear red flag.
   • The recommended safe action.
6. Next Round: As soon as they finish writing, the next person in line from their team can start the relay process.
7. Scoring:
   • 1 point for correctly identifying the scam type.
   • 1 point for correctly identifying a red flag.
   • 1 point for a correct safe action.
   • (Optional) Bonus point for the fastest team to complete a round, if a timer is used for rounds.
8. Winning: The team with the most points after a set number of rounds or when all cards are used wins.

Teacher Facilitation:

• Before starting: Briefly review common scam types (phishing, fake lottery, tech support, romance, investment scams) to prime participants.
• During the game: Circulate to listen to team discussions, clarify rules, and ensure understanding.
• After each round/set of cards: Briefly review the answers for each scenario as a whole group, reinforcing learning. "Team A, for this scenario, what did you identify?" "Great, why is that a red flag?"
• Adaptation: If there's limited space, this can be done as a "Pass the Card" game within small groups.

Scam Scenario Examples (can be combined with or used instead of Red Flag/Green Flag cards for this game):

• Email: "Your Netflix account has been put on hold due to a payment issue. Click here to update your billing information immediately."
• Text Message: "Congratulations! You've won $1,000,000! Reply 'YES' with your full name and address to claim your prize."
• Online Dating Profile: A new match seems perfect but quickly asks for money for an emergency, despite never meeting in person.
• Pop-up Alert: A pop-up appears on your computer saying your system is infected and to call a specific "technical support" number immediately.
• Social Media Message: "I'm a distant relative, and I need help transferring a large inheritance. I just need your personal details to facilitate the transfer."
• Job Offer: An unsolicited job offer with a very high salary, asking you to buy equipment from a specific vendor and pay upfront.
• Investment Opportunity: A new online friend convinces you to invest in a cryptocurrency platform promising extremely high, guaranteed returns in a short period.
• Urgent Delivery Notification: A text message with a tracking link for a package you don't remember ordering, asking for personal details to reschedule delivery.

Who to Tell and How to Get Help: Discussion Guide

Objective: To empower participants with knowledge of trusted contacts and reliable resources for online safety concerns, and to foster an open environment for seeking support.

Instructions: Facilitate a guided discussion using the prompts below. Encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences respectfully.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Opening the Door:

   • "We've discussed how to identify risks and how to communicate confidently. But what happens when something does go wrong, or you feel truly unsafe online? Who is the first person you would think to tell?"
     
     
     
   • "Why is it important to have trusted individuals you can turn to when facing online issues?"
     
     
     

2. Identifying Trusted Contacts:

   • "Beyond immediate family or close friends, who else in your life could be a trusted contact for online safety concerns? (Think about mentors, community leaders, colleagues, etc.)"
     
     
     
   • "What qualities make someone a 'trusted contact' in your opinion when it comes to sensitive online matters?"
     
     
     

3. Formal Support Systems:

   • "If an online situation feels illegal or genuinely threatening, what are the formal steps you might take? (e.g., reporting to law enforcement, contacting platforms directly)."
     
     
     
   • "Are there any specific organizations or hotlines you know of that offer support for cybercrime, online harassment, or other digital safety issues?" (Teacher can provide local/national examples if appropriate, e.g., cybersecurity centers, victim support lines).
     
     
     

4. Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Help:

   • "What are some reasons people might hesitate to tell someone about an uncomfortable or dangerous online experience?" (e.g., embarrassment, fear of judgment, not knowing who to tell, feeling it's not serious enough).
     
     
     
   • "How can we create environments, both online and offline, where people feel more comfortable coming forward with their concerns?"
     
     
     

5. Proactive Measures:

   • "Beyond reacting to problems, what are some proactive steps you can take to ensure you know who to tell and how to get help before a situation even arises?" (e.g., saving emergency numbers, researching resources).
     
     
     
   • "How can checking in with trusted contacts regularly (even about general online experiences) strengthen your 'safety net'?"
     
     
     

Key Takeaways for Participants (Summarize these points at the end):

• You are not alone: There are always people and resources available to help.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is.
• Speak up: Your safety and well-being are paramount.
• Know your resources: Have a mental or written list of who to contact.
• No shame: There is no shame in seeking help for online issues.

My Personal Online Safety Contract

Name:



Date:

Instructions: Now that we've explored various aspects of online safety, take a moment to reflect on what you've learned and what steps you will personally commit to taking to enhance your digital well-being. This is your personal contract with yourself for a safer online experience.

My Commitments to Online Safety:

1. Privacy Protection: What is one specific privacy setting you will review or adjust on an account this week (e.g., social media, email, messaging app)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Red Flag Awareness: Name at least two "red flags" you will be extra vigilant about when interacting online or receiving messages.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Confident Communication: How will you practice saying "no" or sending a clear safety message if an online interaction makes you uncomfortable? (Think about a specific phrase or action).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Seeking Support: List at least two trusted people you will talk to if you encounter an uncomfortable or unsafe situation online.

   • Trusted Person 1:
     
     
     
   • Trusted Person 2:
     
     
     

5. Reporting Action: If you encounter harmful content or behavior online, what is one step you will take to report it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Overall Online Well-being: What is one new positive habit you want to build for your overall online well-being? (e.g., limit screen time, fact-check more often, be mindful of who you connect with).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Signature:

(Signing this contract is a personal commitment. It’s a reminder of your dedication to your online safety and peace of mind.)