Cybersmart Detectives
What is Cybersmart Detectives
Detectives in action. Students and police playing Cybersmart Detectives.
Cybersmart Detectives is an Interactive Shared Learning activity that teaches children key internet safety messages in a protected environment.
Students work online and in real time, liaising with community professionals to solve an internet-themed problem. The aim of the program is to educate and empower students to make more informed decisions in real life situations.
By the end of the activity students will have learned:
- some of the risks associated with internet use and posting personal information online
- strategies to implement if contacted by strangers online
What is the scenario?
In the Cybersmart Detectives activity, students assume the role of an onlooker in their current year at a fictional school. They are concerned about the welfare of a student at the school, particularly concerning that student's online activities.
Guided by a series of clues, students work collaboratively in teams to solve a mystery. Cybersmart Guides respond to the questions and theories posed by the students and guide the teams through each of the 'clues'.
As the scenario unfolds, the students discuss the risks of certain online and offline behaviours, and ways of managing those risks. Although the scenario presented in the activity is simulated, the sense of urgency that excites students taking part is very real.
How does ISL work?
Introductory video to Cybersmart Detectives including comments from teachers, students and police.
In the activity, students interact with Cybersmart
Guides—school staff, police and internet safety experts, working in 'virtual control rooms' located throughout Australia.
Cybersmart Guides advise the students throughout and are available to answer questions. All messages are moderated by the 'Central Control Room' organised by the ACMA. There is no facility for student teams to communicate directly with each other or anyone outside the activity.
The ACMA provides additional resource material for teachers and schools to reinforce the key messages.
How do I register my class?
Sign up your school to participate in Cybersmart Detectives by completing the online form.
Alternatively, schools can request further information about upcoming events by emailing isl@acma.gov.au
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