Exploring cyber crime: KS3 lesson plans from the National Crime Agency 8th October 2019

Two free lesson plans from the National Crime Agency, on the causes and effects of cybercrime, and how to avoid it.

The National Crime Agency is aware of an increasing number of young people engaging in acts of cybercrime, often having been encouraged to do so by criminals in hacking forums or via online gaming. These two key stage 3 lesson plans explore the risks involved in committing cybercrime, and will help your students to recognise and avoid the techniques used to manipulate young people online.

PSHE education provides an ideal context for this learning, as it develops relevant skills such as decision making, risk assessment, ability to recognise manipulation and effective use of exit strategies, while providing key facts about cybercrime.

The lessons aim to help students:

  • recognise what cybercrime is, and its causes
  • avoid manipulation online
  • explain the effects of committing cybercrime for both the target and perpetrator
  • seek support and understand the positive pathways for young people interested in computing

PSHE Association Subject Specialist Jenny Fox says:

“These lessons provide PSHE teachers with the background knowledge they need to deliver high quality teaching and learning about the risks of cybercrime. As our lives increasingly involve technology, young people need opportunities to develop skills and understanding to navigate the online world, including in relation to the law. Through an engaging case study, students are able to evaluate the real-life consequences of decisions made online. We are happy to add Exploring Cybercrime to our list of quality assured PSHE resources and our information hub on police input to the PSHE classroom.

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