Want to build young people into smart online detectives?
This is the place to begin!
Technology and specifically, social media, has increasingly become used by children as young as 6 (some even younger!) These children are aware that there is another universe out in the “twitter-sphere” Although this new world is incredibly exciting for our young generation, there are many safety aspects that are essential for students to be aware of.
Cybersmart Detectives
What is it?
Funded by the Australian Government, Cybersmart Detectives is an engaging online resource created for teachers to implement in the classroom. This resource reinforces the ideas on the personal safety and protective measures that students need to take when dealing with strangers online.
How is it used in the classroom?
This resource is an interactive half-hour activity that is based on an animation. Students are given ‘real world’ examples and are encouraged to ‘step into the shoes’ of a Cybersmart Detective. There are clues given throughout the exercise and students are required to use their deduction skills to make predictions, conclusions and problem solve along the way.
Additional Resources:
This resource provides teachers with a lesson plan, a guide with discussion questions and printable certificates for students once they have completed the task successfully. A follow-up lesson is included along with a second activity Cybersmart Hero which discusses the position of a ‘bystander’ in an online bullying incident. This can be accessed here.
The ‘Nitty Gritty’
In alignment with the Australian Technologies curriculum:
Subject: Technologies
Year level: 3/4
Strand: Digital Technologies
Sub-strand: Processes and Production Skills
Plan, create and communicate ideas and information independently and with others, applying agreed ethical and social protocols. (ACTDIP013)
Link to resource:
https://esafety.gov.au/education-resources/classroom-resources/challenge/cybersmart-detectives
Cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities:
- Literacy
- Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
- Personal and Social Capability
- Ethical Understanding
Links to other learning areas:
- Literacy
- ‘Personal, Social and Community Health’ – Health and Physical Ed.