About This Unit

Accompanying the excitement and anticipation around Internet technology in our society, more and more concerns are being raised about the safety of our children in Cyberspace. To this end, the Peel Regional Police Department, in conjunction with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and Peel District School Board have undertaken to create a kit of classroom resources designed to raise awareness of the strategies that children and parents may employ in order to minimize the risks that may present themselves when using the Internet. You are encouraged to photocopy this unit for use in your classroom.

        Task Summary

As part of this unit, students will be involved in a series of discussions and activities leading up to a visit from the local police department. The preparation for this visit will revolve around the viewing of "Caught in the Web" video prepared by Safeco Insurance Company to highlight some of the issues relating to Internet use and safety.

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in activites designed to consolidate their understanding of the Rules of Internet Safety.

        Culminating Task

Students will design an Internet safety scenario and complete an analysis of the situation demonstrating critical thinking skills and application of the expectations related to Internet safety rules.

        Links to Prior Knowledge

While no prior knowledge is requred, some awareness of Internet vocabulary and terminology may be helpful. Many students will have had some experience with Internet use either at home or at school providing some basis for discussion at the beginning of the unit.