Digital Safety & Online Learning

Year 6 to 9 students

The fast-evolving digital world you have to manage is made even more challenging by criminals who never seem to bore of finding new ways to harass, scam, or embarrass people. In school, working online, you're protected by strong online filters. This may not be the case in your home. Using lots of web-based tools, downloading new applications, and using email, increases exposure to all sorts of threats. You may be working on an older or borrowed device and may be missing vital security updates. Better use a device with up-to-date antivirus software and software. Place a sticker over your camera, when not in use. Switch off your device when done, rather than leaving it in sleeping mode. To avoid cyber flashers, switch off your Bluetooth feature, when in public. If you're lucky enough to have supportive parents, let them know if something is bothering you, otherwise, seek out a teacher or someone else you connect with that can help. This site is a treasure trove of useful information.

Question: How do you protect yourself in an online environment?

Casper Pieters PhD Dip Ed is an author and educator who uses adventure narratives to enliven the ICT curriculum for young people. www.casperpieters.com