Cyber Choices: free police course for Cornwall schools

A hacked school network. A mate’s Instagram taken over as a joke. A bit of code pushed a little further than it should have gone. For some tech-minded teenagers, the line between clever and criminal isn’t always obvious, and Devon and Cornwall Police want to make sure young people know exactly where it sits before they cross it.

What the sessions cover

‘Cyber Choices’ is a 90-minute session aimed at students with a genuine interest in the cyber industry, delivered free to schools across Devon and Cornwall. It’s designed to educate students of all ages about the difference between legal and illegal cyber activity, encouraging them to put their computer skills to legitimate use while raising awareness of offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

The sessions focus on cyber-dependent crime. That’s criminal activity that can only be committed using computers, networks or other ICT, where the technology is both the tool and the target of the offence. Hacking and spreading viruses both fall under that umbrella.

Sessions are delivered by the force’s Cyber Prevention Officer and staff from the Digital Capabilities Unit, who are visiting schools across both counties.

Why the force is doing it

Detective Constable Tamsyn May, from the Digital Capabilities Unit, said young people with an interest in cyber should be encouraged to develop their skills and curiosity, but it’s important they’re educated on key topics too.

“We do this so that they can make safe informed choices when using technology, to help prevent them from committing cyber dependent crime and protect them from being a victim of cybercrime,” Tamsyn said.

“This work is all about building positive relationships and sharing knowledge. We will continue to run sessions across Devon and Cornwall to share this vital information with as many young people as we can.”

Who it’s actually for

It’s worth being clear on what Cyber Choices isn’t. It’s not a general online safety talk. The force says it’s specifically tailored to students who have a particular interest in the cyber industry, or who are likely to pursue a career in it, and recommends seeking out an alternative online safety course for broader tips on staying safe online.

Any year group with students under 18 can be booked in, and the content can be adapted to suit the age group it’s being delivered to. Each session runs for approximately 90 minutes.

Cyber Choices itself is a national programme, coordinated by the National Crime Agency.

How schools can book a session

School representatives who want to arrange an input can email [email protected] directly.

More detail on staying safe from online fraud is available on the Devon and Cornwall Police website, alongside the full detail of what the Computer Misuse Act actually covers.