Tom tames his online world: Cyber safety can be fun [Internet safety for kids]

By Nina Du Thaler

Children are sharing more online than ever - and most have no idea what "too much information" actually looks like.
A photo with an address in the background. A post that reveals a school name. A friend request from someone they've never met. These mistakes happen every day, and they can have real consequences. This book shows children what unsafe sharing looks like in real life, before they find out the hard way.

The Story

Tom wants to win a race. But his online activity might cost him more than just the trophy.

Tom is finally old enough to enter the Twilight Run - the race he's been dreaming about for years. Fired up and ready to compete, he starts posting everything online: his training plan, his progress, his registration details, and photos of his friends. But when Elle notices private information showing up in the background of one of Tom's photos, she realises something important: what you share online can affect more than just you.

Told through Elle's laugh-out-loud diary, this third book in the Diary of Elle series tackles social media safety in a way children actually connect with. From oversharing personal information to accepting friend requests from strangers, Tom learns some valuable lessons - and Elle learns that good online habits are something you have to think about every single day.

Engaging, funny, and genuinely useful, this book helps children aged 7-12 develop smart social media habits before they need them most.

What Children Will Learn

- Why sharing personal information publicly online can be risky
- How to check what is visible in the background of photos before posting
- The difference between online friends and real-world trusted friends
- Why accepting friend requests from strangers - even through friends - can put you at risk
- How to use privacy settings and why they matter

Why Teachers and School Librarians Choose This Book

Teachers and school librarians choose this book because it makes social media safety feel real and relevant through a story children can see themselves in. Tom's excitement about social media mirrors experiences many students are having or will soon have, and the consequences he faces are authentic rather than preachy. The book naturally sparks discussion about privacy, digital footprints, and online identity - key components of contemporary digital literacy curricula. It pairs well with technology, wellbeing, and PSHE units across primary school years.

Perfect For

- Children aged 7-12 who are beginning to explore social media platforms
- Parents wanting to talk to their children about privacy and safe sharing online
- Primary school classrooms covering digital footprints and online privacy
- School libraries building collections on social media safety and digital citizenship
- Children who enjoy sport-themed stories with a cyber-safety twist

Cyber safety can be fun - and it starts with one brave story.
Explore all 5 books in the Diary of Elle series.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1925300072
• ISBN13: 9781925300079
• Release Date: April 2017
• Publisher: Bright Zebra
• Length: 74 Pages
• Weight: 0.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7