Making the right Cyber Choices PSHE lesson plans

New national PSHE lesson resource: Making the right #CyberChoices PSHE lesson plans for KS2 (Primary Yrs 5-6) are now LIVE!

PSHE worked with the National Crime Agency (NCA) on a new free lesson pack to help upper KS2 pupils make safe cyber choices and prevent them from unknowingly committing cybercrime, as defined under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Making the right #CyberChoices features a series of fictional characters and real-life, age-appropriate scenarios to encourage pupils to think about why young people commit cybercrime, and the potential consequences — for themselves and others. There are also opportunities for pupils to consider how the same skills being used to commit cybercrime could be used in a more positive way.

Why teaching about cybercrime is important

Skills in coding, gaming, cyber security and other digital industries are in high demand, both in the UK and abroad, creating education and employment opportunities for young people with an interest in these areas. Unfortunately, the same young people are at an increased risk of being coerced into committing cybercrime — often without realising they are breaking the law.

Cybercrime is one of the fastest rising crimes in the UK and is particularly common among young people, with 61% of people becoming involved before the age of 16. Teaching about cybercrime will enhance wider learning around the rules and principles for keeping safe online and how to recognise risks, as referred to in the DfE (2019) statutory RSHE guidance. It also contributes to the school’s responsibility to safeguard pupils, as outlined in Keeping children safe in education (2023).

What's included?

• PDF lesson plan and lesson slides with options throughout to adapt the lesson for your setting and the needs of your pupils.
• Teacher guidance to create a safe learning environment and develop your subject knowledge around cybercrime, including a glossary of useful terminology.
• Engaging videos and pupil activities to enhance pupils’ engagement with the lesson materials.

Resources

• Download the resources: PSHE Association: NCA Cyber Choices
• For teachers or safeguarding staff’ resources section: National Crime Agency: Cyber Choices

“Cybercrime is one of the fastest rising crimes in the UK and is particularly common among young people. This engaging upper KS2 lesson uses age-appropriate, character-based videos to support children to make the right cyber choices and use computers and devices legally. Activities encourage reflective discussions about the different ways in which young people may unknowingly engage in cyber dependent crime and the potential consequences of doing so.”
Sarah Gabbett, PSHE Association Subject Specialist

In the National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), the Prevent team are focussed on deterring individuals away from cybercrime and diverting them towards more positive uses for their digital skills.

“Many young people get involved in cybercrime without realising the consequences of their actions. The anonymity of the internet and the perceived lack of law enforcement can encourage this criminal behaviour, which is why this early intervention resource is so important to deliver to these young people which will help them make the right cyber choices."
NCA, National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), Prevent Team