All primary one pupils in Scotland to receive free copy to build cyber security skills and protect their information online.
A world-first illustrated children’s book designed to teach children aged 4-7 about cyber security and how to protect their information online is being launched. Education Scotland and the Scottish Government have unveiled Bongles and The Crafty Crows, which teaches young learners how to create passwords and passcodes using ‘three random words’ helping them to explore, play and communicate while using digital technologies, keeping their online information safer and more secure.
The book which follows the adventures of Big Bubba, the Twins, Brainy and Pet Robot has been designed to equip teachers, parents and carers with an attractive resource to deliver important cyber resilience skills and is supported by a range of learning activities and materials. The book was showcased to children and teachers at a special event held at the Abertay CyberQuarter, Scotland’s multimillion pound cyber security research and development centre at Abertay University.
Every Primary 1-aged child in Scotland will now receive a copy of The Bongles and The Crafty Crows in their Book Bug Bag due to be distributed in November 2023 ahead of Scottish Book Week, with Gaelic language versions sent to schools delivering in that medium. According to a recent report by Ofcom1, 97% of children in the UK have access to the internet with 86% of 5-7-year-olds using tablet devices to go online.
It is hoped the new book will provide parents and carers with a host of hints and tips on how to talk to their children about protecting their precious information online. The book and associated learning materials will also be launched on the Scottish Government’s Parent Club website.
We hope that teachers, parents and carers will use this engaging story and the learning activities that come with it to help their children learn about the importance of online safety. Digital technology is going to be at the heart of these children’s lives and it’s so important to help them learn how to stay safe online.
