Darwin gets a message offering one hundred treats. It says, “Tap NOW!” What clues tell him to slow down?
Cyber Safety with Darwin
Read each prompt together. Children can point, speak, draw, or act out their answer. No account or real password is needed.
Episode 1: The Sneaky Message
1. PAUSE2. CHECK3. ASK
Pretend you received a surprising message. Practice saying: “Can you help me check this?” to a trusted grown-up.
Episode 2: Password Peaks
Why might a long, unusual pretend passphrase be harder to guess than “12345”? Remember that game examples are not real passwords.
Draw three colorful doors with three different imaginary key shapes. Why shouldn't one lost key unlock everything?
Episode 3: The Trail of Tiny Footprints
Draw a pretend photo of a biscuit. What details might a photograph show by accident? Do not use real addresses, school names, or location information.
Snowie doesn't want his silly photo shared. Practice asking permission and respecting the answer, even if the picture is funny.
Episode 4: The Kindness Cloud
What could Darwin say to someone who feels left out of a game? Practice one supportive sentence without repeating a hurtful message.
When a game message feels unkind, practice stopping, asking a trusted adult, and using reporting or blocking tools together if needed.
After a Mini-Lesson
Pick any of the seven mini-lessons. Ask, “What did Darwin and the crew teach you?” Praise the thoughtful choices and questions.
Draw a paw with three pads labeled PAUSE, CHECK, and ASK. Keep it near the family's shared device as a helpful reminder.
Grown-up note: Praise children who ask for help, even if they have clicked something by mistake. Do not ask children to tell you a real password during this activity. Set up and manage accounts with them in age-appropriate ways. Online safety requires care from adults and the technology providers too.
CyberBeagles.kids · Inspired by the original Darwin the Cyber Beagle storybooks · Educational activities for family/classroom use