School pupils in Dartford warned about online crime and encouraged to make good cyber choices

Children at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys were educated on cybercrime during a visit from one of Kent Police’s specialist cyber officers.

On Thursday 9 September 2021, Prevent and Protect Cyber Officer, Aimee Payne paid a visit to the school’s Year 10 pupils, aged between 14 and 15, to educate them on the law, provide safety advice, discuss careers in technology and encourage them all to make good cyber choices when online.

The talk in Dartford covered the legal boundaries online and offered guidance on where students can develop their cyber security skills, legally and ethically. Students were told about the consequences of illegal hacking and cyber-dependent crime such as denial of service attacks and malicious software, something more prevalent now due to advances in technology.

Aimee explained that the average age of someone arrested for cyber-dependent crime is 17 and that often a pathway into this crime type is gaming. The talk provided young teens with the perfect platform to ask questions and for Aimee to help steer individuals away from such crimes, which she warned can lead to prison sentences.

The interactive presentation was designed to get the students talking and thinking about what they use technology for and whether some of their choices are right or wrong. She also shared examples of news reports that showed teenagers jailed for cybercrime, to act as a serious warning to those who plan to commit such offences.

The school's Computer Science Teacher, Mr Eric Barwell, said: ‘Aimee’s presentation was incredibly useful and illuminating for the students and staff. It really hit home about both the consequences and the career opportunities in cyber security areas. It was a really positive presentation delivered in a way that connected with the students.’

If you would like to find out more about the Cyber Choices programme, please visit www.cyberchoices.uk