This content is located in CAPS under Social implications: Impact on Society for Grade 10.

Teaching ‘Safety and Security Issues’ in Grade 10 provides a critical opportunity to help students understand the real-world consequences of unsafe digital practices and how to protect themselves online. As technology becomes an integral part of their lives, introducing topics such as e-mail threats, malware, and online criminal activities will foster awareness and responsibility.

To make the topic practical and relatable, start by illustrating everyday scenarios. For example, discuss how spam emails appear in inboxes, how clicking on malicious links can lead to phishing attacks, or how careless internet browsing can expose devices to ransomware.

E-mail Threats and Remedies: Explain common e-mail threats, including:

• Hoaxes: Share examples of fake giveaways or false claims, and teach students to verify authenticity using trusted sources.
• Spam: Show how email filters work and encourage them to avoid responding to unsolicited messages.
• Phishing: Use real-life examples of fraudulent emails that mimic banks or companies, teaching them to check URLs and sender details.
• Email Spoofing: Demonstrate how attackers fake the sender’s address and suggest reporting suspicious emails.
• Pharming: Highlight how fake websites are created to steal sensitive information and how to identify secure websites (look for HTTPS).

Engage students with an activity: Ask them to create a checklist of signs to spot fraudulent emails.

Malware (Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Ransomware): Use accessible metaphors to explain malware. For example:

• Viruses: Like a flu virus spreading from one person to another, computer viruses spread via infected files.
• Trojans: Discuss how these mimic legitimate software but carry malicious intent.
• Worms: Describe worms as self-replicating software that spreads across networks without user intervention.
• Ransomware: Share real-world cases where individuals or organisations were locked out of files until a ransom was paid.

Ask students to brainstorm ways to protect against malware, such as using antivirus software, avoiding suspicious downloads, and keeping systems updated.

Safe E-mail and Internet Use: Introduce students to practical safety tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Back up critical files.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Dangers and Tips for Ensuring Safe Use:

• Discuss risks like identity theft, online stalking, and cyberbullying.
• Create a classroom activity where students role-play scenarios to identify potential dangers and solutions. For example, a student pretending to be a scammer can try to lure another student into sharing sensitive information.

Computer Criminals – Types and Operations: Introduce types of computer criminals, such as:

• Hackers: Both ethical (white-hat) and malicious (black-hat).
• Cyberstalkers: Explain how these individuals use technology to harass victims.
• Identity Thieves: Discuss how they steal personal information to commit fraud.
• Scammers: Share examples like Ponzi schemes and fake charities.

For an interactive element, let students research a famous cybercrime case, summarise what happened, and present their findings to the class.

Bringing it Together: Host a “Cyber Safety Week” in your classroom. Assign students tasks such as creating posters on avoiding phishing scams, preparing a short presentation on malware types, or conducting a group debate on privacy vs. security online. Practical examples like these not only reinforce the lesson but also make it engaging and relevant.

Encourage students to reflect on their own online habits and share one tip they’ll implement to stay safe. Invite readers to share their teaching ideas or classroom activities related to this topic.