LESSON 2 OF 3
Year 8 · Digital Technologies

Online Safety and Censorship

The internet provides access to huge amounts of information and channels of communication such as email, chat and social networks. That openness also creates dangers, and it is one reason people are sometimes denied access to the internet and its resources. Attempt every question, then assess your results at the bottom of the page.

Before you start: typed answer boxes need a minimum amount of text before they count. Each box turns green once you have written enough. You cannot assess your results while any typed answers are too short, so add more detail if the Assess button stays locked.
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Risks to Your Device and Data

Connecting a device to the internet means you can search for information and use resources on the web. But the reverse is also true: without proper protection in place, people on the internet can steal your information and run destructive programs on your device.

Drag each term onto its correct definition. Tap a chip, then tap a definition slot, or drag and drop. Find help on the web if required.

Terms Malware Virus Spyware Trojans Hacker Antivirus Firewall
Malware that picks up passwords and financial details.
Malicious software designed to gain access to, or damage, your data.
Malware that spreads to other computers via email attachments.
A blockade that controls communications to and from your computer.
Nasty programs that hide inside downloaded software.
Someone who gains unauthorised access to your device and data.
Software that searches for and destroys malware.
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Risks to You

There are lots of risks on the internet that you need to be aware of. These include:

  • People you know that communicate poorly, bully and troll.
  • People you don't know who want to harm or steal from you.
  • Things that you really shouldn't see.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the bullying of another person over the internet. After your small group discussion, write down two or three things a person could do if cyberbullying happens to them or someone they know.

Write at least a couple of sentences.
Ideas you might have included: do not reply to the bully; take screenshots as evidence; block and report the person on the app or game; tell a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher; support the person being bullied so they know they are not alone; report serious cases to the eSafety Commissioner.

Phishing

You have probably received emails from a company or website that you know. However, these emails are not always genuine. Drag the six events into the correct order to show how phishing scams work.

Events You happen to use this shop or bank, so you assume that the email is genuine. The link takes you to a website that looks genuine enough. You receive an email that looks like it's from a shop or a bank. It contains links for you to click on. The website is not genuine. The phishers capture your login details and use or sell them. You enter your username and password to log into the website. You click on one of the links.
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Websites Blocked at School

There are lots of reasons why a school might block access to certain websites. Sometimes it is obvious why a site is blocked, for example if it contains illegal, offensive or adult oriented material. At other times there may be a debate about whether a site should be blocked or not.

Think of some positive uses in school for each of the websites below and some reasons why they might be blocked. Assume that you are old enough to actually use the websites.

WebsitePositive uses in schoolReasons to block the site
YouTube
Wikipedia
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Sample answers:
YouTube — Positive: information or learning videos; sharing student work. Block: the other videos can be a distraction.
Wikipedia — Positive: lots of fantastic information. Block: has some inaccurate information (although all encyclopaedias do).
Facebook — Positive: collaborating; sharing information. Block: a distraction; inappropriate use; bullying; increases anxiety levels.
X (Twitter) — Positive: news; links; sharing concise information. Block: a distraction; some inappropriate information.
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Internet Censorship

Some countries block access to large sections of the internet. Other countries ban the internet entirely. Research one of these countries and record your notes below, ready to report back to the class. Try to cover:

  • The types of websites that are blocked;
  • The reasons given for blocking the websites;
  • The effect on the population of having the websites blocked, including freedom of expression;
  • Any other information about the situation in this country.
Aim for a solid paragraph covering the dot points above.

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