On this page
- What is Digital Matters?
- User reviews
- Guidance for teachers
- How parents can use it
- View all digital stories
What is Digital Matters?
Digital Matters is a free platform for teachers and parents to help children aged 9-11 learn about online safety.
Engage children in critical thinking with interactive quizzes and stories featuring realistic scenarios. Each lesson includes clear links to curriculum areas across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, opportunities to involve parents in online safety and supporting documents to make teaching easier.
Interactive Learning
Interactive Learning is the first part of every online safety lesson and is taught in the classroom. Teachers can use the Digital Matters platform for this section or the offline handouts while fostering important discussions on the topic.
Once Upon Online
Once Upon Online features realistic stories that children can control, which they can do with parents at home. Children must read the stories and help characters make positive choices based on what they learned with Interactive Learning.
What our users say
See our feedback from teachers, parents and students who have used the platform. All feedback is taken from the Digital Matters platform and surveys shared with users.
Free lesson plans for teachers
Digital Matters free comprehensive lesson plans across 8 online safety topics for children in upper primary school (ages 9 to 11). Explore the topics below.
Supporting parents and carers at home
After teaching a Digital Matters lesson, it’s a good idea to continue the learning at home. You can do this by splitting the lesson up. For example, by teaching Interactive Learning at school and assigning Once Upon Online for homework. Or, use the included Take Home activities.
Find parent and carer companion guides tailored to each lesson here. Share the page or individual guides with parents/carers to help them continue children’s learning at home.
Free digital stories
Help children practise skills in reading, predicting and discussions with Once Upon Online stories. Choose a theme to explore available stories.
Playing With Hate
Voxyarn is the most popular online game at Nia’s school. But when she starts to play, she’s shocked by the hateful messages she receives. Children must help her find support.
Friendships in Danger
Alex is upset by Riley's messages about his good friend Zane. Should he say something or just keep it to himself? Children must help Alex make positive choices to stop bullying.
A 'Friend' Appears
When Meera's friend invites someone new to their game, Meera struggles to make positive choices. Children must help her navigate healthy and unhealthy behaviours to support in-game positivity.
The Secret Identity of HarleeGamez
Adil must navigate a VERY interesting piece of information about his favourite streamer. Children must help him think critically about this information before sharing it.
The Trouble With Sharing
Elan has to decide between sharing her personal information and missing out on the in-game event of the year! Children must help her make safe decisions to support her safety.
Under Pressure
Social media starts making Antoni feel pressured to look a certain way that's not all that realistic. Children must help him find support for his mental wellbeing and self-image.
Sharing Gone Wrong
Joseph learns how uploading content of someone else without their permission can have negative impacts. Children must help him make positive choices to support his friend and online reputation.
Research Rescue
Rory feels stressed about a school research project and needs help making the right choices to help them learn. Children must help Rory complete their project in honest ways.
A Delicate Balance
Emmy must learn how to create a positive and balanced relationship with her smartphone. Children must help her make good choices to guide her to a positive ending.