CYBER SAFETY

WHAT IS CYBERCRIME?

Cybercrime refers to illegal activities conducted online, often targeting individuals to steal information, money, or access. Phishing and scams are common tactics used by cybercriminals, involving deceptive messages or offers to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Teaching students to recognise and avoid these threats empowers them to navigate the internet safely and protect their personal information.

Key Concepts

Phishing: Deceptive emails, messages, or websites designed to steal personal information like passwords or financial details.
Manipulation Tactics: Scammers use urgency, flattery, or impersonation to pressure victims into acting without thinking.
Red Flags: Signs of scams, such as suspicious links, requests for personal information, or offers that seem too good to be true.
Social Media Impersonation: Fake accounts pretending to be trusted individuals or organizations to deceive users.

TEACHING RATIONALE

Why This Matters

Cybercrime affects millions worldwide, and young people are increasingly targeted. Teaching students to recognise phishing and scams equips them with critical skills to protect themselves and their families, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility online.

HOW TO TEACH

Guiding Principles at a Glance

Pause Before You Click Teach students to evaluate links and messages critically before engaging.	Verify Senders Encourage checking email addresses, usernames, and other identifiers for authenticity.
Recognise Red Flags Help students spot scams by identifying urgency, grammatical errors, or suspicious requests.	Keep Personal Data Private Stress the importance of not sharing sensitive information, like passwords or payment details, online.
Use Security Measures Teach students to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and use strong, unique passwords.	Report Suspicious Activity Empower students to flag phishing attempts or scams to trusted adults or authorities.

CURRICULUM PLANNING

Integrating Cybercrime (Phishing & Scams) Into Your Classroom

Embed in Technology Lessons: Role-play identifying phishing emails and analysing fake websites.
Use Real-World Examples: Discuss current news stories about scams or data breaches to make the topic relatable.
Connect to Social Studies: Explore the global impact of cybercrime and its effects on individuals, businesses, and governments.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Have students practice responding to potential phishing scenarios safely.
Discuss Financial Literacy: Highlight the risks of scams in online transactions, like fake e-commerce sites or in-app purchases.
Foster Peer Education: Have students create awareness campaigns or guides on avoiding phishing and scams for their school community.