Red Flag / Green Flag Scenario Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss whether you think it's a Red Flag (a warning sign of danger or discomfort) or a Green Flag (a sign of safety, respect, or good practice). Be ready to explain why you chose your answer.

Scenario 1: New Online Friend Requests Money

You matched with someone new on a dating app. After only a few days of chatting, they tell you about a sudden financial emergency and ask if you can lend them money, promising to pay you back next week.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 2: Sharing Location with Trusted Friends

You are meeting up with friends you know well in real life. You share your live location with them through a secure app for a limited time so they know you arrived safely and can find you easily.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 3: Immediate Pressure for Personal Details

Someone you just started chatting with online immediately asks for your full home address, where you work, and your social security number, claiming they want to send you a gift or verify your identity.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 4: Receiving an Unsolicited Intimate Image

You receive an unsolicited intimate image from someone you barely know online. It makes you feel uncomfortable and surprised.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 5: Reviewing and Adjusting Privacy Settings

You regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts and adjust them to limit who can see your posts, photos, and personal information to only trusted friends and family.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 6: Being Encouraged to Speak Up

Your online gaming group has a clear rule that if anyone feels uncomfortable or sees something inappropriate, they should speak up or message a moderator. Everyone supports this rule.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 7: Meeting Someone New in a Public Place

You decide to meet an online acquaintance for the first time. You suggest a well-lit, busy public place, inform a friend of your plans, and arrange your own transportation.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 8: Receiving a Very Formal and Urgent Email from an Unknown Sender

You receive an email claiming to be from your bank, stating there's an urgent issue with your account and asking you to click a link to verify your details immediately to avoid account suspension.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 9: Someone Asks You to Keep Your Relationship a Secret

An online romantic interest insists that your relationship must be kept a complete secret from your friends and family, saying they don't want any "drama" or "interference."

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 10: Participating in a Public Online Forum with Clear Rules

You join an online forum dedicated to your hobby. The forum has clear community guidelines, active moderators, and a reputation for respectful discussion. You post regularly and engage positively with other members.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 11: An Online Acquaintance Pressures You to Send Racy Photos

Someone you've been chatting with online for a few weeks starts pressuring you to send them racy photos, even after you've expressed discomfort. They say, "If you really liked me, you would."

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

Scenario 12: Creating Strong, Unique Passwords for All Accounts

You use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for every one of your online accounts, and you enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Red Flag or Green Flag?



Why?

My Privacy Settings Checklist

This checklist will help you review and adjust your privacy settings across different online platforms. Take some time to go through each item and ensure your settings align with your comfort level and safety needs.

Section 1: Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)

• Who can see your posts?

  • Check if your default post setting is Public, Friends, or Custom.
  • Action: Consider setting it to "Friends" or "Custom" for more control.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Who can see your profile information (photos, birthdate, city, employer)?

  • Review who can view your basic and detailed profile information.
  • Action: Limit sensitive information to "Friends" or "Only Me."
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Tagging and Photo Privacy

  • Do you approve tags before they appear on your profile?
  • Action: Enable tag review to prevent unwanted photos appearing on your profile.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Location Services

  • Are location services enabled for your social media apps?
  • Action: Turn off location services for social media or limit it to "While Using App" only if necessary.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Who can send you friend requests or messages?

  • Can anyone send you requests, or only friends of friends?
  • Action: Adjust settings to filter unwanted contact.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

Section 2: Messaging Apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram)

• Last Seen/Online Status

  • Who can see when you were last online or if you are currently online?
  • Action: Consider limiting this to "My Contacts" or "Nobody."
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Read Receipts

  • Do you want others to know when you have read their messages?
  • Action: You can usually turn read receipts off if you prefer more privacy.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Profile Photo and About Info

  • Who can see your profile picture and your "About" information?
  • Action: Limit this to "My Contacts" or "Nobody."
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Group Invitations

  • Who can add you to groups without your permission?
  • Action: Set this to "My Contacts" to prevent unwanted group additions.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

Section 3: Email (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail)

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • Is 2FA enabled for your email account?
  • Action: Enable 2FA for an extra layer of security.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Review Connected Apps

  • Which third-party apps have access to your email account?
  • Action: Revoke access for any apps you no longer use or don't recognize.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

• Spam Filters

  • Are your spam filters effectively catching unwanted emails?
  • Action: Adjust your spam filter settings if you are receiving too much unwanted mail.
  • My Setting:
    
    
    

Remember to regularly review your privacy settings as platforms update their features.

Refusal Text Templates: Say No with Confidence

It can be tough to say "no" online, but it's essential for your safety and well-being. These templates provide clear, firm, and polite ways to refuse unwanted requests or set boundaries. Feel free to adapt them to your style!

Scenario 1: Refusing a Request for Personal Information

When someone asks for your address, full name, or other sensitive details too soon.

• Template 1 (Polite & Firm): "Thanks for asking, but I prefer to keep that private for now."
  
  
  
• Template 2 (Boundary Setting): "I'm not comfortable sharing that. Let's keep our conversations focused on [shared interest]."
  
  
  
• Template 3 (Simple & Direct): "No, I don't give out that information online."
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Declining to Send Intimate Photos/Videos

When someone pressures you for explicit images.

• Template 1 (Direct Refusal): "No, I'm not going to send any intimate photos. Please don't ask again."
  
  
  
• Template 2 (Focus on Respect): "I'm not comfortable with that request. Respect my boundaries."
  
  
  
• Template 3 (Educational): "Sharing intimate images can have serious risks, and I choose not to. I suggest you reconsider asking others to do so as well."
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Saying No to an Unwanted Date/Meet-up

When an online acquaintance asks to meet, and you're not interested or feel unsafe.

• Template 1 (Clear & Kind): "I appreciate the invitation, but I'm not interested in meeting up."
  
  
  
• Template 2 (Firm Boundary): "Thanks, but I'm not looking to meet new people in person from this app."
  
  
  
• Template 3 (Prioritizing Safety): "I don't feel comfortable meeting up. I need to prioritize my safety online and offline."
  
  
  

Scenario 4: Ending an Uncomfortable Conversation

When a conversation turns inappropriate, aggressive, or makes you feel uneasy.

• Template 1 (Exit Statement): "This conversation is making me uncomfortable, so I'm going to end it here."
  
  
  
• Template 2 (Blocking Intent): "I don't appreciate the way this is going. I'm going to block you now."
  
  
  
• Template 3 (Simple & Final): "I'm done with this conversation."
  
  
  

Scenario 5: Refusing a Request for Money

When an online acquaintance asks for financial assistance.

• Template 1 (Direct Refusal): "I'm sorry, but I can't help you financially."
  
  
  
• Template 2 (Setting Boundaries): "I don't lend money to people I know online."
  
  
  
• Template 3 (Suggesting Alternatives): "I hope you find the help you need, but I'm not able to provide financial support."
  
  
  

Remember, you always have the right to say no and protect your boundaries online. Don't feel guilty for prioritizing your safety! If someone continues to harass you after you've said no, consider blocking and reporting them.

Spot the Scam Relay: Can You Detect Deception?

Goal: Work in teams to quickly and accurately identify common online scams and their red flags.

Time: 15-20 minutes

Materials:

• Scam Message Cards (Print out and cut into individual cards before class)
• Whiteboard or large paper for scoring
• Markers

Setup:

1. Divide the class into 2-3 teams.
2. Designate a starting line and a finish line (where the scam cards will be placed).

How to Play:

1. Each team will line up behind the starting line.
2. On "Go," the first person from each team runs to the finish line, picks one Scam Message Card, and reads it.
3. They must then identify at least one red flag and what type of scam it might be (e.g., phishing, romance scam, fake lottery). They can also identify how they would respond (e.g., block, delete, report).
4. After stating their answer, they run back and tag the next teammate.
5. If a team member is correct, their team gets a point. If incorrect or unable to identify, the card goes back into the pile.
6. The game continues until all cards are used or time runs out. The team with the most points wins.

Scoring: 1 point per correctly identified scam/red flag.

Teacher Notes:

• Encourage discussion within teams before a player runs back.
• Clarify any uncertainties about scam types or red flags as they arise.
• Emphasize that the goal is learning, not just winning.

Example Scam Message Cards (to be printed separately, 1 per card)

Card 1: "URGENT - Your Bank Account Is Locked!"

• Email Subject: "Urgent Account Alert - Action Required Immediately!"
• Email Body: "Dear Valued Customer, Your [Bank Name] account has been temporarily suspended due to suspicious activity. Please click this link immediately to verify your details and reactivate your account: [Suspicious Link] Failure to do so will result in permanent account closure."

Card 2: "Secret Admirer Lottery Win!"

• Direct Message: "Congratulations! You have been selected as the lucky winner of our exclusive Secret Admirer Lottery! To claim your prize of $1,000,000, simply reply with your full bank account details and a small processing fee of $500."

Card 3: "Help Me, I'm Stranded!"

• Text Message from an Unknown Number (claiming to be a friend): "Hey, it's [Friend's Name]. I'm stranded in [Distant City] and lost my wallet! I desperately need $200 for a taxi and food. Can you wire it to me ASAP? I'll pay you back tomorrow, promise!"

Card 4: "Investment Opportunity - Guaranteed Returns!"

• Social Media Ad: "Tired of your low-paying job? Invest in our new crypto-currency platform with guaranteed 1000% returns in just 24 hours! Limited spots available. Click here to get rich now! [Link to shady website]"

Card 5: "Verification Required for Profile"

• Dating App Message: "Hi, I'm [Attractive Name]! Your profile looks great, but before we chat further, I need you to verify you're a real person. Please click this link and enter your login details for your other social media accounts to confirm: [Suspicious Link]"

Card 6: "Your Package Is Delayed"

• Text Message (from an unknown number, no tracking info): "Your package delivery is delayed. Please confirm your shipping details and pay a small re-delivery fee here: [Suspicious Link] to avoid further delays."

Card 7: "Technical Support Scam"

• Pop-up on computer screen: "WARNING! Your computer is infected with a severe virus. Do not shut down your computer. Call this toll-free number immediately for technical support: 1-800-XXX-XXXX. Your data is at risk!"

Card 8: "Exclusive Job Offer - No Experience Needed!"

• Email from an unknown recruiter: "Dear [Your Email Address], You have been selected for an exclusive remote job opportunity that requires no prior experience and pays $5,000 a week! To apply, simply click this link and provide your banking information for direct deposit setup: [Suspicious Link]"

Who to Tell and How to Get Help: Building Your Support Network Online

It's crucial to remember that you don't have to navigate online challenges alone. Having a support system is a key part of digital safety. This discussion will help us identify trusted resources and individuals.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Trusted Individuals:

   • If you experienced an uncomfortable or concerning situation online, who is the first person you would consider telling? (e.g., a partner, family member, close friend, colleague, mentor)
   • What qualities make this person trustworthy and a good source of support?
   • 
     
     
     
     
     

2. Types of Help Needed:

   • Beyond just talking, what kind of practical help might you need if you encountered a serious online issue (e.g., harassment, identity theft, cyberbullying, scam)? (e.g., technical assistance, emotional support, legal advice, reporting to authorities)
   • How might the type of help needed vary depending on the situation?
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Formal Resources & Organizations:

   • What official or formal resources are available for online safety? (e.g., local police department, national cybercrime reporting centers, online safety organizations, mental health services)
   • Where could you look to find reliable information or assistance if you're unsure who to contact?
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Help:

   • What stops people from asking for help when they have an online problem (e.g., embarrassment, fear of judgment, not knowing who to trust, thinking it's not serious enough)?
   • How can we encourage ourselves and others to seek help sooner rather than later?
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Creating a Personal Safety Plan:

   • Think about a specific online scenario you might face. Who would you tell, and what steps would you take to get help?
   • Share one key takeaway from this discussion that you will remember when facing an online challenge.
   • 
     
     
     
     
     

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your safety and well-being are paramount.

My Personal Online Safety Contract

Name:



Date:

I, [Your Name], hereby commit to prioritizing my online safety and well-being. This contract outlines the specific actions I will take to protect myself and my digital footprint.

My Online Safety Commitments:

1. Privacy Settings Pledge: I will regularly review and adjust my privacy settings on all social media, messaging, and email platforms to control who sees my personal information. I will specifically focus on:

   • (Platform/App 1):
     
     
     
   • (Specific Action):
     
     
     
   • (Platform/App 2):
     
     
     
   • (Specific Action):
     
     
     

2. Red Flag Awareness: I commit to being vigilant and trusting my instincts when I encounter potential online red flags. If something feels off, I will pause, investigate, and seek advice. My key red flags to watch for are:

   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     

3. Refusal and Boundaries: I will confidently use refusal strategies and set clear boundaries in online interactions. I understand that I have the right to say "no" and protect my personal space. I will use phrases like:

   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     

4. Blocking and Reporting: I will utilize blocking and reporting features whenever I encounter inappropriate content, harassment, or scams. I know that these tools are there to protect me. I will remember to:

   • Block when:
     
     
     
   • Report when:
     
     
     

5. My Support Network: I will identify and rely on my trusted support network when I need help or advice regarding online safety. My go-to people/resources are:

   • (Person/Resource 1):
     
     
     
   • (Person/Resource 2):
     
     
     
   • (Formal Resource if needed):
     
     
     

My Signature:

Date:

This contract is a personal commitment to my digital well-being and can be revisited and updated as needed.