Police offer free 'Cyber Choices' session to schools

A 90 minute session aimed at young people who have an interest in the cyber industry will be delivered to students across Devon and Cornwall to give them the tools they need to avoid getting involved in unlawful computer activity or becoming a victim themselves.

Cyber Choices educates students of all ages about legal and illegal cyber activities, encouraging them to develop their computer skills for legitimate purposes whilst raising awareness of offences under the Computer Misuse Act.

The Cyber Prevention Officer and staff from the Digital Capabilities Unit will be visiting schools across the two counties to deliver the sessions to students. Schools are encouraged to contact the force to arrange an input on cyberchoices@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.

Detective Constable Tamsyn May from the Digital Capabilities Unit said: “Whilst young people who are interested in the cyber industry need to be encouraged to develop their skills and curiosity, it’s important that we educate them on key topics.

"We do this so that they can make safe informed choices when using technology to help prevent them from committing cyber dependent crime and protect them from being a victim of cybercrime.

“This work is all about building positive relationships and sharing knowledge; we will continue to run sessions across Devon and Cornwall to share this vital information with as many young people as we can.”

How can schools register their interest?

School representatives should email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Is the Cyber Choices session suitable for young people who want to learn general online safety tips?

The session is specifically tailored to students who have a particular interest in the cyber industry and those who are likely to pursue a career in this area. We would recommend seeking out an alternative ‘online safety’ course for more general tips about how to stay safe online.

What age group is the session suitable for?

Any year group with students under the age of 18. Sessions can be adapted for the age group it is being delivered to

How long is the session?

It will last approximately 90 minutes.

Cyber Choices is a national programme co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The session focuses on raising awareness of cyber-dependent crime, which is criminal activity that can only be committed using computers, networks, or other ICT where the technology serves as both the tool and the target of the offence. This includes offences such as hacking or spreading viruses.

For more information on cybercrime, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website: Online fraud & Cybercrime | Devon & Cornwall Police

More information about Cyber Choices is available here: Cyber Choices - National Crime Agency

Further details on the Computer Misuse Act 1990 can be found on the Gov website: Computer Misuse Act 1990