Level 11 - Internet Safety

Using my personal power online

Key learning points

• We have a lot of power in the online space to keep ourselves safe.

• Institutions might use our social media to find out more about us.

• We can use settings and online tools to control what we see and who can contact us.

• We can be positive and active bystanders to online abuse.

• Negative actions online can have a huge impact on others.

Keywords

• Institution - a large official organisation, such as a college, university or hospital

• Employer - a person or organisation that hires and pays people to work for them

• Bystander - someone who witnesses something

Common misconception

What I post online is my business, it doesn't impact anyone else.

What you post online can affect others — it might hurt someone, spread misinformation, or damage your reputation. Once it’s out there, you can’t always take it back.

Responding to online harassment

Key learning points

• People online can target groups and individuals with harassment.

• We can block and report online abuse and offer support to the person experiencing harassment.

• Retaliating against online harassment should be avoided.

• There are several different laws which protect people from harassment.

• The police may get involved in cases of online harassment.

Keywords

• Harassment - when someone repeatedly bothers, bullies or disturbs another person, making them feel unsafe, uncomfortable or upset

• Hate speech - illegal language used to insult or attack others based on things like their race, gender or beliefs

Common misconception

Harassment can only happen in person.

Harassment can take place online. There can be serious consequences for those who harass others online.

Financial security online

Key learning points

• A secure website uses HTTPS and has a padlock symbol in the address bar.

• Common online financial risks include phishing, identity theft and fake websites.

• Strategies to avoid scams include: strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and being cautious of emails.

• Online scams can be very sophisticated and can be hard to spot.

• Phishing and fake sites can be used to steal passwords.

Keywords

• HTTPS - stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure; used to secure communications over a computer network

• Two-factor authentication - a security system that requires two or more methods of confirming a user's identity

• Identity theft - the deliberate use of someone else's identity, usually as a method to gain a financial advantage

• Phishing - messages or calls disguised as if from trustworthy organisations, sent to trick people into giving sensitive information

Common misconception

All websites with a padlock symbol are safe.

While the padlock symbol indicates a secure connection, it does not guarantee that the website itself is legitimate.

Online groups and radicalisation

Key learning points

• 'Incel' means 'involuntary celibate' and is a term linked to online communities that promote hatred towards women.

• Incel ideology promotes violence, blame and extreme beliefs.

• Grooming often starts with trust-building, then isolation and manipulation.

• Radicalizers use coded language and emotional manipulation to influence others.

• There are ways to stay safe, such as questioning content, talking to trusted adults and reporting harmful behaviour.

Keywords

• Incel - a person who self-identifies as an 'involuntary celibate' and believes that they are unable to form romantic or sexual relationships, often blaming women for this

• Misogyny - hatred or prejudice against women, often shown through negative beliefs or actions

• Radicalisation - the process by which someone comes to adopt extreme political, social or religious views

• Grooming - when an adult builds trust with a young person to manipulate them for harmful purposes, often leading to abuse or exploitation

Common misconception

Only socially isolated or unpopular individuals become radicalised.

Radicalisation can affect anyone, regardless of social status or popularity. It's essential to understand behaviours, not stereotypes, to identify risks accurately.