In this lesson, you will explore:

• The nature of online spaces and their benefits
• Various types, including social spaces for sharing with friends, educational spaces for school-related activities, gaming spaces for adventures, informational spaces for news and facts, and community spaces for hobbies
• How to identify safe behaviours (such as being kind and cautious) versus risky ones (such as sharing excessive personal information)

Online spaces refer to various virtual environments on the internet where individuals can interact, acquire knowledge, engage in recreational activities, or exchange information. These are not tangible locations but digital realms that you can access via devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

To illustrate, consider platforms like Instagram, which serves as a space for sharing photographs and communicating with friends, or a school's official website, where you can complete assignments and access educational resources. Such spaces facilitate connections between people across the globe, enabling seamless communication and collaboration regardless of physical distance. 

It is essential to recognise that, similar to physical venues like playgrounds or libraries, online spaces are governed by specific rules and guidelines designed to ensure the safety and well-being of users. Adhering to these rules promotes a positive and secure online experience for everyone involved.

Online spaces can be categorised according to their primary purpose. Let us examine the various types in detail:

Social Spaces

Social spaces are designed primarily for connecting with friends, family, and acquaintances. Examples include platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X(Formerly known as twitter) and Snapchat. In these environments, users can share personal updates, photographs, and messages, fostering relationships and enabling communication across distances. It is important to use these spaces responsibly, ensuring that shared content is appropriate and privacy settings are adjusted to protect personal information.

Educational Spaces

Educational spaces focus on learning and acquiring knowledge. You are currently using one right now – Coding Ireland! These spaces offer resources for completing homework, exploring subjects in depth, and discovering new facts through interactive lessons and videos. They provide a structured way to enhance your education outside the traditional classroom setting.

Gaming Spaces 

Gaming spaces are virtual environments dedicated to playing games, often with others. Popular examples include FIFA, Fortnite and Minecraft servers. Here, you can collaborate with teammates, play against your friends, or explore imaginative worlds. These spaces promote creativity and strategic thinking, but it is essential to balance gaming time with other activities and to interact respectfully with fellow players.

Informational Spaces

Informational spaces serve as repositories of news, facts, and research materials. Examples include Wikipedia and child-friendly news websites such as RTÉ news2day. These platforms are valuable for investigating topics, staying informed about current events, and gathering reliable information for school projects. Always verify the accuracy of the content by cross-referencing with trusted sources.

Community Spaces

Community spaces bring together individuals with shared interests or hobbies. These can be found on forums like Reddit or fan sites dedicated to books, films, and other topics. In these spaces, you can participate in discussions, exchange ideas, and form connections with like-minded people. They encourage collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, but remember to follow community guidelines to maintain a positive atmosphere.

It is crucial to understand appropriate conduct within online spaces. Engaging in safe behaviours allows you to enjoy these environments securely and responsibly, whereas risky behaviours may expose you to potential dangers or negative consequences. In this section, we will explore examples of both safe and risky behaviours, providing guidance on how to make informed choices that protect yourself and others.

Safe Behaviours

Safe behaviours are actions that promote a secure and positive online experience. By adopting these practices, you can minimise risks and contribute to a respectful digital community. Consider the following:

• Seek permission before joining: Always consult a parent, guardian, or teacher prior to entering a new online space. This ensures that the platform is appropriate for your age and interests.
• Utilise privacy settings: Adjust your account's privacy controls to determine who can view your information and posts. This helps safeguard your personal details from unauthorised access.
• Reflect before posting: Pause to consider your content – is it kind, truthful, and something you would comfortably say face-to-face? Thoughtful posting prevents misunderstandings and promotes positive interactions.
• Report inappropriate content: If you encounter bullying, suspicious messages, or any concerning behaviour, inform a trusted adult immediately. Reporting helps maintain a safe environment for all users.
• Log out securely: Always sign out of your accounts when finished, particularly on shared or public devices. This prevents others from accessing your information without permission.

Risky Behaviours

Risky behaviours are actions that can lead to harm, either to yourself or others, and should be avoided. Recognising these helps you steer clear of potential pitfalls in online spaces. Examples include:

• Sharing personal information: Disclosing details such as your full name, address, school, or phone number with strangers can compromise your safety and privacy.
• Interacting with unknown links: Clicking on unfamiliar links or downloads may introduce viruses or malware to your device, potentially causing data loss or security breaches.
• Engaging in negative interactions: Arguing, bullying, or posting mean comments online can hurt others' feelings and may escalate into more serious conflicts.
• Excessive screen time: Spending prolonged periods online without breaks can negatively impact your physical health, sleep, and overall well-being.
• Impersonating others: Pretending to be someone else can lead to confusion, deception, or trust issues within online communities.

Now it is your opportunity to apply the knowledge you have gained about safe and risky behaviours in online spaces. This activity will help you practise making responsible decisions in a real-life scenario. By reflecting on the situation and considering your responses, you will develop skills to navigate online environments more confidently and securely.

Scenario: Imagine you are playing in a gaming space, such as Fortnite, and a new player you have just met in the game asks for your real name and where you live. They say it is to 'team up better' and make the game more fun.

What should you do? Take a moment to think carefully about the situation. Then, reflect and write down your answers to the following questions. You can use a piece of paper, a notebook, or a notes application on your device:

1. Is this request safe or risky? Explain why, using examples of safe and risky behaviours from the previous section.
2. What safe behaviour could you use instead to handle this situation responsibly?
3. How would you respond to the player?