Safety and Security

Overview

Unit: Digital Devices Unplugged
Lesson: 5 of 7
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 8 students
Age group: Year 7 (11-12 years)
National Curriculum Links:

• Key Stage 3 Computing Programmes of Study - National Curriculum for England
• Relevant Sections:
  • "Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact."
  • "Understand how to protect devices and personal information from common threats"
  • "Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work" (for understanding phishing as trickery)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain the importance of password protection and create strong passwords using best practices.
• Identify phishing attempts and describe strategies to avoid becoming a victim.
• Demonstrate safe browsing techniques and list appropriate actions to stay secure online.
• Understand the impact of unsafe behaviour online and how to report concerns.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printable "Phishing Scenarios" worksheet (one per student)
• Password strength checklist handout
• Printed “Safe Browsing Tips” poster for display
• Tablets or laptops (optional, if available) for demonstration
• Sticky notes for student contributions
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Activity: Quick Think-Pair-Share

• Pose the question on the board: "Why do you think online safety is important when using digital devices?"
• Students think individually for 1 minute, then discuss with a partner for 2 minutes.
• Invite 2-3 pairs to share their ideas.
• Teacher summarises key points focusing on privacy, security, and consequences of unsafe behaviour.

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2. Direct Teaching (10 minutes)

Topic 1: Password Protection

• Define a strong password (length, complexity, avoiding personal info).
• Present the password strength checklist.
• Show examples of weak vs strong passwords and explain why.
• Introduce the concept of password managers briefly (optional extension).

Topic 2: Phishing Attempts

• Explain phishing as trickery using fake emails or messages to steal information.
• Present common signs: urgent language, suspicious links, requests for personal information.
• Share a simple analogy comparing phishing to a stranger asking for your house keys.

Topic 3: Safe Browsing Practices

• Discuss the importance of using secure websites (https), avoiding unsafe downloads, and logging out properly.
• Show examples of safe vs unsafe browsing behaviours.

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3. Interactive Activity (15 minutes)

Activity: “Phishing or Legit?” Group Challenge

• Hand out the “Phishing Scenarios” worksheet containing 6-8 short examples of emails/messages.
• Students work in pairs to identify whether each is a phishing attempt or legitimate.
• They justify their answers using clues (urgent language, suspicious links, sender’s details, etc).
• After 10 minutes, review answers as a class, discussing each scenario in detail.
• Reward correct identifications with ‘safety points’ tokens.

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4. Practical Application (10 minutes)

Activity: Password Creation and Safe Browsing Brainstorm

• Each student writes a strong password they create on sticky notes (no personal info to ensure safety).
• They place these on the board and discuss which meet the criteria and why.
• As a class, compile a list of safe browsing tips on the whiteboard, encouraging peer suggestions.
• Teacher reinforces key points and adds any missing crucial tips.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

Assessment: Exit Ticket

• Write down one way to keep your digital devices and information safe online.
• One sign of phishing you learned today.
• What will you do if you see something suspicious online?
• Collect responses to assess understanding and identify any misconceptions.

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Differentiation

• Provide additional visual clues on worksheets for students who need support.
• Challenge extension: Invite more confident students to role-play a phishing attacker/defender in pairs after the main activity.
• Use tablets/PCs to demonstrate a live example of checking URL safety for kinaesthetic learners (optional).

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Cross-Curricular Links

• PSHE: Personal responsibility and online behaviour
• English: Critical reading of information and messaging
• ICT: Practical use of security tools and understanding digital communication

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Homework Idea (Optional)

Task: Keep a 3-day ‘Digital Safety Diary’ logging any suspicious emails/messages, password changes made, or safe browsing practices you used. Reflect in a paragraph about why these actions are important.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Monitor student engagement carefully — phishing examples should be age-appropriate and realistic.
• Emphasise positive online behaviour to promote respectful use of technology.
• Adjust pace to allow more discussion if students have strong prior understanding.
• Consider inviting a local cybersecurity professional for a Q&A in following lessons to enhance real-world relevance.

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This lesson carefully addresses National Curriculum requirements for using technology safely and responsibly while actively engaging Year 7 learners with clear, practical knowledge and skills.