The Foundation team undertook the implementation of another, not easy challenge – we started a series of lessons educating children about safety in the Internet. The first lesson in the series took place at Primary School No. 12 in Katowice on 12th of June. We were welcomed by children from the third classes who actively participated in our animations, although it cannot be hidden that they were already in holiday moods. The first point of the program was to introduce ourselves and tell about the profile of our Foundation. Then the students spoke about what devices they use and what they do on them. The responses we received exceeded our expectations, but the most frequently mentioned were: Facebook, Messenger, Skype, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and games, including primarily Minecraft, The Sims and other logic games, races, Crossouts, etc.
The first game was the division of children into groups of 3-4 people, whose task was to write or draw Internet-related threats. The answers were: virus, pedophile, addiction, hackers, the possibility of unfavorable use of our personal data, loss of health or life caused by a dangerous game – Blue whale, advertising, inappropriate games and videos, links for adults or downloading illegal sites, then just a few examples. We collected all the answers and together with the children we explored their content. Then we decided to go to the next game, this time demanding a bit more commitment. With the help of the teachers, we chose eight people who approached the board, and then from our magical pouch drew cards with questions. After reading, the random person answered the question, and if it could not, then classmates helped her find the right answer. The following are the sample questions:
1. Using social media is fun! I can upload all my and other people’s photos there. I recently uploaded a photo of a friend from a trip, but he got angry with me. What do you think – why?
2. I have provided my personal information to a stranger on the Internet. Should I?
The responses were well-developed and justified, which pleased us greatly, as it testifies to the vast knowledge and awareness of children in the world of the Internet. Children also drew in groups drawings on the subject of “Security on the Web”, which can be seen in the gallery below. The last point of our lesson was to give children questionnaires on Im2be application and to get to know it deeper. At the end children got small gifts from the Foundation. Satisfied and with broadened knowledge about the Internet and applications, students began a break. The lesson was therefore rapid and intensive. We are interested in further results and experiences in meetings with students.
Drawings of students
