Pupils from the age of 12 are to be taught about the dangers of the internet as part of a pioneering new qualification. From the start of next term, secondary pupils at a number of pilot schools will be able to take an Intermediate 1 course on internet safety, which teaches them about the dangers of grooming and cyber bullying. They will also learn how to protect themselves against viruses and identity theft.
The new course, believed to be the first of its kind, will highlight issues such as spam, hacking, copyright, the use of firewalls and spyware. The Scottish Qualifications Authority developed the qualification following a survey of 550 teachers and college lecturers earlier this year which found the vast majority were concerned about pupil safety.
