📡 Looking for a replacement for FBI Safe Online Surfing?
The FBI's free Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program was retired in June 2026. Byte Guardians is a free, modern, standards-aligned way to keep teaching the same essential online safety skills to grades 3 to 8, as a game students actually want to play. No teacher portal to set up, nothing to install on the network, and nothing that leaves the device.
Why it fits the classroom
Built to clear every approval hurdle.
Privacy by design
No accounts, no logins, no third-party SDKs, no analytics. Nothing about a student ever leaves the iPad, so there is nothing to review or risk.
Standards-aligned
Mapped to ISTE digital citizenship indicators and SEL competencies, grounded in NIST & CISA guidance.
Lesson-sized
Each world is a self-contained 20 to 30 minute lesson with a topic, a hands-on puzzle, and a boss challenge.
Accessible for all
Larger text & controls, reduced motion, colorblind markers, controller support, and an Assist Mode for every learner.
The curriculum
Ten lessons, one per world.
A complete K-8-friendly digital citizenship scope & sequence. Assign one world per session, or let students play the full arc.
| World | What students learn |
|---|---|
| 1 · Password Peaks | Building strong passwords and passphrases |
| 2 · Phishing Forest | Recognizing phishing and fake messages |
| 3 · Firewall Fortress | Safe connections, Wi-Fi, and firewalls |
| 4 · Encryption Caves | How encryption keeps information private |
| 5 · Privacy Plains | Protecting personal information online |
| 6 · AI Academy | Spotting AI fakes and checking facts |
| 7 · Malware Marsh | Malware and safe downloading |
| 8 · Scam City | Online scams and safe shopping |
| 9 · Social Square | Kindness, respect, and social media |
| 10 · Digital Galaxy | Putting every skill together |
Standards & sourcing
Credible, current, and classroom-ready.
Content is mapped to ISTE Digital Citizen indicators and CASEL social-emotional competencies, and the safety guidance is grounded in NIST (passwords) and CISA/FTC online safety guidance so what students learn is accurate, not hand-wavy. The in-app Parent/Educator hub surfaces the standards mapping and discussion prompts.
Use it tomorrow
Up and running in three steps.
- Install freeDownload Byte Guardians on classroom or library iPads from the App Store no account, no setup.
- Assign a worldPick the topic for the day. Students play the 20 to 30 minute world and its puzzle.
- DiscussUse the in-app discussion prompts to connect the game to real-life online choices.
Bring Byte Guardians to your classroom free.
Want a standards-alignment sheet or a class set walkthrough? We're happy to help, at no cost.