Instructions Click each button below to learn more about safe online surfing.
Completed 0 of 7
Accessibility | eRulemaking | Legal Notices | Legal Policies and Disclaimers | Links | Privacy Policy | USA.gov | White House
FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. government, U.S. Department of Justice
Note for returning teachers: The FBI-SOS backend system for managing classes—along with the student exam on sos.fbi.gov—have been redesigned using new technology. The functionality remains the same. Please refer to the updated Teacher’s Guide for a complete explanation.
After your information has been verified, you will receive an email with a unique web link to manage your class, along with further instructions. It is important to save the link for future management of your classes. The link never expires, so you do not need to register for FBI-SOS every year.
Once registered, you can create classes and a test key for each student. The FBI does not store any information on students, so it is your responsibility to create the test keys and keep track of which one you assigned to each student.
Ask your students to navigate through the various games and activities in their grade-appropriate island. When students complete the last activity, they can click the “Take the Test” surfboard to take the exam. At this point, students should be certain they are ready to complete the exam, as it may only be taken once. To take the test, students will enter the key that you assigned to them. The exam must be completed in 30 minutes or less. Finishing the exam more quickly produces a higher score.
Right after the test is taken, a temporary webpage shows each student his or her score and any questions answered incorrectly. Teachers can ask students to print and save this webpage; teachers can also view or request the exam results in the class management system.
Once all students in a class have finished the test, click the “Grade Exam” button to tabulate the results. The overall scores for each school are compared with the results of other schools nationwide with similar classroom sizes as part of a national monthly competition. Categories are based on the number of students from each school who took the test: Starfish is 1-50 participants; Stingray is 51-100 participants; and Shark is 100+ participants. The 10 highest scores in each of these categories during the month can be viewed on the leaderboard.
Other than what is displayed on the leaderboard, the FBI does not keep or distribute the rankings of schools nationwide. The leaderboard resets at the end of each month.
The top-scoring school in each participation category nationwide every month is awarded an FBI-SOS certificate. Teachers from winning schools are also sent certificates that they can print and distribute to each student. There are no participation certificates for non-winning schools or students. When possible, the winning school in each category will receive a visit from a local FBI special agent.
The SOS website can be visited at any time in the classroom or at home, and students can work at their own pace in completing the island activities. The activities do not need to be completed in one sitting. However, because of federal regulations governing tracking technologies and other issues, the FBI is not able to save a student’s progress on the site beyond a single session.
While the FBI-SOS website is accessible all year, the testing and competition only operate from September 1 through May 31. There is no testing during the summer months.
The goal of FBI-SOS is to promote cyber citizenship and help students learn about online safety while engaging in fun, interactive games. The program was designed to address current Internet safety threats while keeping each grade level's online usage and knowledge in mind. We hope that you find the program beneficial and that your students use the information to make themselves safer digital citizens.
You made it to the beach. Pick the next game to continue.
You made it to the beach, but Manny recommends more "surf lessons." Click Replay to try again.
Manny's surfboard broke. Please try again.
Help Manny the Lizard ride the waves and stay on his surfboard. If you get enough correct responses, Manny will reach the beach. If you get too many answers wrong, the surfboard will break, and Manny will have to start over.
What a fun day!! Had such blast with my besties!
History class was super shocking today!!! I learned that Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod!
Cats are the best.
It's not safe to use your name as part of your username, screen name, or gamertag. Use something made up instead.
A hobby, something you like, or other general information is safe to use in a username, screen name, or gamertag.
This can let online strangers know where you live. Use a random phrase instead for your username, screen name, or gamertag.
This password uses letters, numbers, and special characters. It is also more than 12 characters long. But don't use your name or nickname in your password. It is too easy to guess. Remember to change your passwords often, don't write them down, and only share them with your parents. Use different passwords on different sites.
This password is more than 12 characters long and uses no personal information. But it does not include numbers or special characters. Remember to change your passwords often, don't write them down, and only share them with your parents. Use different passwords on different sites.
This is a safe password. It is more than 12 characters long, uses no personal information, and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Remember to change your passwords often, don't write them down, and only share them with your parents. Use different passwords on different sites.
Don't include information that could let someone know where you live or go to school. Many online predators (in addition to trusted adults and employers) look at social networking profiles, so make sure to have an appropriate picture.
Don't include information that could let someone know where you live or go to school. Many online predators (in addition to trusted adults and employers) look at social networking profiles, so make sure to have an appropriate picture.
A picture of your favorite food, or other general information, is a safe choice because it doesn't reveal where you live or attend school. Many online predators (in addition to trusted adults and employers) look at social networking profiles, so make sure to have an appropriate picture.
Showing where you live can allow you to be vulnerable to online predators. Be as vague as possible in describing your location.
Showing where you live can allow you to be vulnerable to online predators. Be as vague as possible in describing your location.
Be as vague as possible in describing where you live to stay safe from online predators and others who may wish to harm you.
Sharing your full name can allow online predators to learn more about you.
Sharing your full name can allow online predators to learn more about you.
Sharing your full name can allow online predators to learn more about you.
It's safer not to share personal information. If you do choose to list your birthday, leave out the year you were born.
It's safer not to share personal information. Keep your age private online.
It's safer not to share personal information. If you do choose to list your birthday, leave out the year you were born.
Don't share your e-mail address, your cell phone number, or any other contact information on your social networking profile. Only give out your e-mail address to people you trust.
Don't share your e-mail address, your cell phone number, or any other contact information on your social networking profile. Only give out your e-mail address to people you trust.
Don't share your e-mail address, your cell phone number, or any other contact information on your social networking profile. Only give out your e-mail address to people you trust.
Be careful not to share too many personal details or hobbies. Online predators can use this information to gain your trust.
It's safer not to share too many personal details or hobbies. Online predators can use this information to gain your trust.
Be careful not to share too many personal details or hobbies. Online predators can use this information to gain your trust.
It's a good idea to be careful with online photos and videos. Once they are shared or posted, they can last a long time and become anyone's property. Use the maximum privacy and security settings when uploading. Never share pictures of someone else online without their permission.
Be careful with online photos and videos. Once they are shared or posted, they can last a long time and become anyone's property. Use the maximum privacy and security settings when uploading. Never share pictures of someone else online without their permission.
Be careful with online photos and videos. Once they are shared or posted, they can last a long time and become anyone's property. Use the maximum privacy and security settings when uploading. Never share pictures of someone else online without their permission.
Don't share any information online that would allow anyone to know your exact location or when your house will be empty.
It's safer not to share your exact location online.
Don't share any information online that would allow anyone to know your exact location or when your house will be empty.
You have successfully completed this level.
Manny recommends you give it another try to make sure you know how to keep your personal information safe online.
Manny wants to make sure you know how to keep your personal information safe online.
After getting her parents' permission, Jane is setting up a social media account. Click on each box within the profile page to select the safest username, password, and other options to help keep Jane safe online. Be sure to apply these concepts to your own online presence. Talk to your parents first and make sure to check the privacy settings, security settings, and terms of service for each account to limit what you share online.
Never agree to meet an online stranger! It could be a predator who wants to harm you. If someone you met online asks to meet you in person, tell a parent or other trusted adult right away.
Beware of online strangers who want to be your friend. Predators will say nice things about you, try to help with your problems, send you gifts, or even try to turn you against your family. This process of building trust is called "grooming." Don't fall for this trick.
Predators often use social media, gaming sites, and dating websites to find kids who seem vulnerable to start grooming them. By sharing your anxieties, frustrations, and painful personal experiences, you may make yourself a target online. Instead, talk to a friend or trusted adult. (Remember that dating websites are only for those 18 or older.)
Never post or share inappropriate pictures or videos of yourself. Some predators will try to force you to send more. This is called "sextortion," and it is dangerous. Tell an adult right away if this happens. Also, never take any inappropriate pictures or videos of anyone else, even if you don't intend to share them, because it can get you into trouble. Remember that phones can get stolen or hacked.
Be careful what you say about yourself online. Predators might target you, especially if you talk about being lonely, not getting along with your parents, or needing attention. Don't share anything that could be used to harm you, including personal information.
Cyberstalking is tracking and harassing someone online, usually over social media or e-mail, but it can sometimes lead to physical violence. Tell a parent or trusted adult if you are stalked online. To be safe, cover up the webcam on any device-such as a laptop, gaming system, or cell phone-when you are not using it.
On the Internet-and often over social media-some people try to make friends with young people and convince them to support violent causes. Don't fall for this trick, and report it to a parent or trusted adult if it makes you uncomfortable or if you fear a crime might be committed.
You have completed this level. Play again or go to the next activity.
Manny needs your help to cross six rivers. Click the platform pieces to turn them in any direction. Keep turning the different pieces until you create a bridge all the way across the river. Manny will lead you to an online safety question at the end of each bridge.
You have successfully completed this level and your computer is healthy.
Manny recommends you give it another try to make sure you know how to keep your computer healthy.
Manny wants to make sure you know how to keep your computer healthy.
Pick the right response to keep your computer healthy. If you pick the wrong answer, the computer will start to get sick. If you get too many incorrect, you will have to start over!
0
You have collected all the treasure and are a great digital citizen.
Manny recommends you give it another try to see if you can collect more treasure and become a better digital citizen.
Manny wants to make sure you know how to be a good digital citizen.
One day, someone started a fake social media page on Evelyn, even though she had a lot of friends at school. Others began posting mean comments about her. Then, several students told Evelyn's friend Dave that they would be mean to him, too, if he didn't join in.
Dave should tell his classmates that he will NOT join in the cyberbullying because it is hurtful and wrong. This is called being an upstander. Then, he should report what happened.
Dave should tell his classmates that he will NOT join in the cyberbullying because it is hurtful and wrong. This is called being an upstander. Then, he should report what happened.
Sophie needed to write an essay for history class. She decided to paraphrase some information she found online-to use the ideas in her paper but put them in her own words. Sophie wasn't sure whether or not she should credit the source.
Sophie needs to credit the source, or she will commit plagiarism. If you are not sure about any issue involving plagiarism, check with your teacher before turning in your assignment.
Sophie needs to credit the source, or she will commit plagiarism. If you are not sure about any issue involving plagiarism, check with your teacher before turning in your assignment.
Bill was finishing a video project for school. He knew the members of a local band who wrote great songs and posted them online. Bill found one song on the web that he liked and made it the soundtrack of his video. His classmate suggested Bill get approval to use the song first.
Bill's classmate is right. Turns out, the song is copyrighted and can only be used with permission. Bill should get the band's approval before turning in his school project.
Bill's classmate is right. Turns out, the song is copyrighted and can only be used with permission. Bill should get the band's approval before turning in his school project.
Eleanor made a new friend online named Tommy. He asked Eleanor to text him a revealing picture of herself. Tommy promised that he wouldn't let anyone see it. Eleanor liked Tommy, but she had never met him in person and wasn't sure what to do.
Eleanor should stop talking to Tommy. Texting revealing pictures and videos is called sexting, and it can get young people in a lot of trouble. Years later, it can also make it harder to get accepted into college and find a job if the images end up online.
Eleanor should stop talking to Tommy. Texting revealing pictures and videos is called sexting, and it can get young people in a lot of trouble. Years later, it can also make it harder to get accepted into college and find a job if the images end up online.
Max liked to watch his favorite basketball team on television. In one game, a referee made some questionable calls, and Max's team lost by a few points. Some of his friends decided to write critical comments on the referee's social media page. They asked Max to join them.
Even though he is frustrated by the loss, Max should tell his friends that it's NOT appropriate to criticize the referee online. Sometimes, good cyber netiquette requires cooling off and thinking things through before posting on the Internet.
Even though he is frustrated by the loss, Max should tell his friends that it's NOT appropriate to criticize the referee online. Sometimes, good cyber netiquette requires cooling off and thinking things through before posting on the Internet.
Maria downloaded a fun new app on her cell phone. She really wanted to reach the highest levels in the game, so she started playing every chance she got. One of Maria's friends noticed and told her it was time to delete the app and get her life back.
Maria should listen to her friend. If an online game or app is taking too much time out of your day, it's time to stop playing. It's smart to maintain a healthy online/offline balance in life.
Maria should listen to her friend. If an online game or app is taking too much time out of your day, it's time to stop playing. It's smart to maintain a healthy online/offline balance in life.
Find and click the six hidden gold coins. Read the digital citizenship lesson that appears for each coin and pick the correct answer to fill up your treasure chest.
Click and drag to find a word Once selected, the word's definition will show up here.
You've successfully completed the Word Search. Replay the game and select the words from the list if you'd like to review the definitions again.
Find the cyber safety words by highlighting the correct letters. The words may go in any direction (up, down, backward, diagonal, etc.). Then, read the word's definition at the top of the screen.
You've successfully completed the Marine Matching game.
Create a match by dragging the fish to the correct phrase. A right answer will turn black and show a gold coin.
