Micro Qualifications through eLearning PBL

Welcome to the Cyber Safety e-Learning module in this module we will explore the PBL values and expectations at Kingsford Smith School around your use of the school network and devices. Each section has a Quiz and Case Studies to complete before you attempt the Final Quiz at the end. You must score 100% in the Final Quiz to receive your Certificate of Completion.

This module will cover... (click here to find out more)

What do we mean we refer to the "Canteen"?
What it means to be SAFE online and with your devices at Kingsford Smith School.
What it means to be RESPECTFUL online and with your devices at Kingsford Smith School.
What it means to be LEARNER online and with your devices at Kingsford Smith School.

Being Safe Online and with your Devices.

In today's digital age, the internet is an essential part of our lives, offering endless opportunities for learning, socializing, and entertainment. However, it's crucial to navigate this vast digital landscape safely and responsibly. This module is designed to equip high school students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect their personal information, recognize online threats, and practice good digital citizenship. There are lots of places online that are potentially hazardous and you need to be vigilant in. These include;

Social Media Platforms:
Online Gaming Communities
Educational Websites and Forums
Email and Messaging Apps
E-commerce Sites

The Hazards of Social Media Platforms

Cyberbullying

Over half (53%) of young Australians reported experiencing cyberbullying. The eSafety Commissioner received 2,978 valid cyberbullying complaints in 2024, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Children aged 12 and 13 accounted for 35% of these reports. Additionally, girls reported cyberbullying at double the rate compared to boys. Over the past five years, cyberbullying reports have surged by over 450%.

Short-term Consequences: You might feel sad, anxious, or scared if someone is mean to you online.

Long-term Consequences: Continuous bullying can lead to serious emotional issues like depression or low self-esteem.

Privacy Risks

In 2024, identity theft was a big problem in Australia. About 1.2% of Australians, which is around 255,100 people, had their identities stolen. This means someone used their personal information without permission. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also reported that between January and June 2024, 3,526 cases were sent to IDCARE for help with identity theft and related issues.

Short-term Consequences: Sharing too much personal information can lead to strangers knowing things about you that they shouldn't.

Long-term Consequences: Your personal information could be used for identity theft or other malicious activities.

Inappropriate Content

About 57% of young people aged 12 to 17 reported seeing disturbing real violence, and 33% encountered images or videos promoting terrorism. Additionally, 80% of children aged 8 to 12 used one or more social media services, despite age restrictions

Short-term Consequences: You might accidentally see or be sent images or videos that are disturbing or not suitable for your age.

Long-term Consequences: Exposure to inappropriate content can affect your mental health and how you view the world.

Online Predators

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) reported receiving 58,503 reports of online child sexual exploitation in the 2023-24 financial year 1. This means there were about 160 reports every day. Additionally, research showed that 17.7% of young people experienced online sexual solicitation by an adult 2. Girls were nearly three times as likely as boys to face this kind of risk

Short-term Consequences: Strangers might try to befriend you with bad intentions, pretending to be someone they're not.

Long-term Consequences: This can lead to dangerous situations, including being manipulated or even meeting someone who could harm you.

Scams and Phishing

In 2024, Australians reported significant financial losses due to scams and phishing. According to the National Anti-Scam Centre's latest report, the total reported losses amounted to $2.03 billion

Short-term Consequences: You might receive messages or links that try to trick you into giving away personal information or money.

Long-term Consequences: Falling for these scams can result in financial loss or your personal information being misused.

Online Gaming Communities

As well as the hazards that are present with other online Social Media apps, the online gaming community has some of their own unique hazards, these include;

In Game Purchases and Microtransactions

Many games offer in-game items or upgrades for purchase, which can lead to unexpected expenses or financial exploitation, especially if young players use their parents' credit cards without permission.

Short-Term Consequence: You might spend more money than you intended, especially if you make multiple small purchases that add up quickly.
Long-Term Consequence: Continuously spending money on games can lead to financial issues, especially if it becomes a habit.

Game Addiction

The immersive nature of games can lead to excessive playing, which can interfere with daily responsibilities, sleep, and physical health, more so than typical social media use.

Short-Term Consequence: Spending too much time gaming can lead to neglecting schoolwork, chores, and other important activities.
Long-Term Consequence: Prolonged gaming can lead to physical health issues like poor posture, eye strain, and lack of exercise, as well as mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Cheating and Hacking

Players might encounter cheats or hacks that can disrupt gameplay, compromise personal data, or lead to unfair advantages.

Short-Term Consequence: Using cheats or hacks can give you an unfair advantage in the game, but it can also lead to immediate consequences like being banned from the game.
Long-Term Consequence: Engaging in hacking activities can expose your personal information to malicious actors, leading to potential identity theft or other security breaches.

Exposure to Gambling

Some games include elements of gambling, such as loot boxes, which can encourage gambling behaviours and lead to financial loss.

Short-Term Consequence: You might lose money quickly, especially if you keep playing to try to win back what you've lost.
Long-Term Consequence: Developing a gambling habit can lead to serious financial problems, strained relationships, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Voice Chat Risks

Many online games include voice chat features, which can expose players to real-time verbal abuse, inappropriate language, or unwanted interactions, posing a different kind of risk compared to text-based interactions on social media.

Short-Term Consequence: You might experience real-time verbal harassment, bullying, or inappropriate language from other players.
Long-Term Consequence: Continuous exposure to negative interactions can lead to long-term emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, and decreased self-esteem.

Educational Websites and Forums.

Even in educational sites and forums, such as sites like Khan Academy, Quora and Youtube, you can be a target for phishing attacks and data breaches.

Data Breaches

Short Term Consequence: A data breach can cause immediate disruptions to school operations, such as delays in accessing educational resources, rescheduling exams, or even temporary school closures. This can affect students' learning and daily routines.

Long Term Consequence: One of the most severe long-term consequences is the risk of identity theft. Personal information like Social Security numbers and birthdates can be used by cybercriminals to commit fraud, apply for loans, or open credit accounts in the student's name. This can lead to long-lasting financial and legal issues.

Over Sharing

Oversharing on educational sites can lead to privacy risks, cyberbullying, phishing, data breaches, and reputation damage

Malware and Viruses

Short Term Consequence:

Your device might stop working properly (slow, glitchy, or locked).

Long Term Consequence: Your personal information could be stolen (like passwords or private files).

Phishing and Scams

Short-Term Consequence

You might give away personal information by mistake (like your password or email).

Long-Term Consequence

Scammers could use your information to steal your identity or money and damage your reputation.

How to be Safe Online

How to Stay Safe Online

Stick to Trusted Websites
- Use websites your teacher or school recommends.
- Look for websites that end in .edu, .gov, or are well-known like BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, or National Geographic Kids.

Never Share Personal Information
- Don’t share your full name, address, school, phone number, or passwords.
- If a website asks for this, talk to a parent or teacher first.

Be Careful What You Click
- Avoid clicking on ads, pop-ups, or links from strangers.
- Don’t download anything unless a trusted adult says it’s okay.

Use a Nickname
- If you join a forum, use a nickname that doesn’t reveal who you are.

Tell an Adult If Something Feels Wrong
- If someone is being mean, or something makes you uncomfortable, tell a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult.

Being safe online and with your Devices- Test your Knowledge

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