How the Internet Helps Us (Year 4–5) (Years 4–5) — Computer Science

Discover what the internet is in simple terms, the useful things it lets us do, why we should check if information is trustworthy, and how to keep a healthy balance with breaks and other activities.

The internet is a giant network that joins millions of computers all around the world. It lets those computers share information with each other, so you can learn, watch, message and explore from your own screen.

Why this matters: The internet is one of the most useful tools people have ever made. Understanding what it is, and how to use it wisely, helps you get all the good things from it while staying safe and balanced.

Useful things the internet lets us do

Helpful uses: learning new things, like watching a lesson or reading facts; messaging or video-calling family who live far away; using maps to find our way to a new place; finding recipes, stories and ideas.

Websites are made by people

Websites are made by people, and almost anyone can put words and pictures online. That means not everything you read is true or correct — some of it might be a mistake, and some might be made up.

More trustworthy	Be careful with
A well-known learning website	A random message with no name
Facts on more than one site	A story asking you to share it fast

How to check if information is trustworthy

You can be a good detective online:

Put these steps in order to check if a fact is trustworthy:

Ask: who made this website?
Check if another good website agrees
Ask if it sounds sensible
If still unsure, ask a trusted adult

Taking breaks and keeping balance

The internet is wonderful, but it is only one part of a happy life. Our eyes, bodies and minds need rest and other activities too, like playing outside, reading a book, praying, and spending time with our family. Taking breaks and keeping balance is a way of looking after the body and mind we have been given, which is a good and healthy habit.