Activities, Questions and Discussion Points
Example of answers to the questions at the back of the book Casey and Aon—A Cybersafety Chapter book for Kids by Amanda Greenslade www.amandagreenslade.com

General

1. The virtual world is no more or less safe than the actual world. Perhaps the most important question of all is how can you use the internet safely?

When using the internet, be sure to be double-checking what you’re clicking on. Check with your parents before clicking on something you aren’t sure of, and make sure to ignore those “offers” that seem “to good to be true”.

2. Come up with a list of rules for your use of the internet. Include rules that involve (a) staying safe, (b) doing the right thing, and (c) cyber etiquette.

• An antenna for Aon, the robot's, head
• A packet of sauce (paint a piece of cardboard or a bag red)
• A pink "cybertab" (paint a piece of cardboard pink and black or use an iPad)
• A cloth
• A table
• A mobile phone (paint some clay or cardboard or use an old phone)
• A toy

Chapter 2

3. ‘Cybertab’ is a metaphor for what thing in our real world? (‘Metaphor’ means a symbol in a story representing something else).
The ‘Cybertab’ is a metaphor for our modern day computers and devices.

4. Robots are a part of two worlds. What are they?
Robots are part of both the virtual world and the real world.

5. What’s the difference between hardware and software?
Hardware is made in factories (like Aon), whereas software is based on devices.

Chapter 3

6. In what way is the internet like a city?
The internet is like a city because it’s a vast network of different places. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to wander off alone in the city, so you shouldn’t go to places on the internet that make you feel uncomfortable.

7. Why doesn’t Casey let Aon buy the new characters for his app?
Casey doesn’t let Aon buy new characters for his game because he didn’t have his parents’ permission to do so.

8. Like the real world, there are some things on the internet meant only for adults. What example do Aon and Casey discuss?

• a.) What is meant by ‘money pit’?
  This term means that all your money is lost in a pit, never to be reclaimed.
• b.) Can you think of any other things that might be adults only on the internet?
  Some sites on the internet include things like gambling, explicit content, etc. These sites would be inappropriate for the eyes of children.

9. Why shouldn’t you give out your name, address or the name of your school on the internet?
By allowing your personal information to go online, it can never just be simply ‘taken down’ again. Once it’s there, it’s out there forever. Additionally, suspicious characters could use your personal details to inflict harm on you (e.g. stalking).

10. Why should you be suspicious of ‘free gifts’ on the internet?
You should never trust offers for “free gifts” on the internet, as you will have to enter your personal details in order to receive it, and as discussed in the previous question, people could use your details against you.

Chapter 4

11. Is it OK to send your photo to someone online?
No. Even if the photo is for someone you personally know, you shouldn’t send photos of yourself to anyone. Why? It could be used against you (e.g. to bully, blackmail or harass you).

12. What things does Casey say can be done on the internet?
Casey uses the internet for fun facts and research for school projects.

• c.) What else can you do on the internet?
  The internet can be used for all manner of things- from social media to watching videos to looking at memes.
• d.) What do you use the internet for?
  Personally, I use the internet for listening to music, schoolwork/ homework, some games, social media and checking emails.
• e.) Do you always know when you are using the internet?
  You will be able to tell most of the time when you are using the internet (mostly because there will be a high chance of advertisements on everything on the internet).

13. Go Catch a Critter is a metaphor for augmented reality games on tablets. List some that you know of.
The first thing I thought of in relation to ‘Go Catch a Critter’ was the worldwide hit ‘Pokemon Go’.

Chapter 5

14. What is ‘the fainting game’?
From the context, I would say the ‘fainting game’ involves a process of sorts to make the player faint. This, of course, is unsafe for the player.

• f.) Would you choke yourself if someone in the actual world told you to or would you use your common sense?
  No- this is similar to the saying “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you follow them?”
• g.) Why do you think that common sense isn’t always used when some people are surfing the internet?
  Common Sense isn’t always used on the internet because people get drawn in by flashy colours, bright ads, and enthusiastic reviews.
• h.) Do you believe everything you see and read in the actual world just because it looks official or believable? For example, an ad claiming you can ‘get rich quick’?
  With advertisements such as “get rich quick”, you have to make sure your first response is to be suspicious. It’s more than likely that those ads are dangerous.

15. The book Casey and Aon states that there are more lies on the internet than anywhere. Why is this and do you agree?
I agree- in real life, there are often little signs that indicate whether or not someone is lying (e.g. avoiding eye contact). However, on the internet, you can’t be totally sure of this (as you can’t see the person face-to-face, and don’t know anything about them).

16. What is stranger danger?
Stranger Danger is the danger presented by unknown individuals.

• a.) Was stranger danger different for your parents from the way it is now?
  Personally, I think it’s easier for harmful individuals nowadays to exhibit threatening behaviour, as the internet offers a whole new platform for them.
• b.) What difference has the internet brought to the concept of stranger danger?
  As said in the previous answer, the internet and social media offer a whole new platform for ‘stranger danger’ to come into effect.

Chapter 6

17. What is ‘Videotube’ a metaphor for? (‘Metaphor’ means a symbol in a story representing something else).
‘Videotube’ is a metaphor for ‘Youtube’.

18. What is bullying?
Bullying is when one person/ group is exhibiting harmful behaviour towards another person/ group.

19. Why should photos and videos of other people only be posted onto the internet when you’re sure you have permission?
If the subject of a photo/ video doesn’t give their permission, that means that they are sensitive about that photo, and that they do not want it online. You should respect their feelings, and not post it if they didn’t give permission.

20. Why should videos of children fighting not be posted onto the internet?
Posting videos of children fighting is a form of bullying, as well- once posted onto the internet, the video can be seen by thousands, and how do you think the kids involved in the fight would feel about unknown people laughing at them?

• a.) In what way has this book helped you to show good judgement while using the internet?
  This book has clearly outlined several dangers of using the internet, and lays down excellent guidelines/ rules for kids to follow.
• b.) What will you do differently now that your Judgement 1.0 program is running compared with when it was not running?
  It will be easier to consider what situations to get involved in, and when to keep my mouth shut.

22. What does the story mean by ‘Judgement 2.0’?
You gain knowledge and wisdom about how to react in negative situations, and are able to avoid conflict that could result in physical and/or mental harm. You have the maturity to defuse situations without resorting to violence.

• a.) At what age do you think most people have levelled up to Judgement 2.0 by?
  I think that by the time we’ve all grown up and are mature adults, we will have gained enough experience about negative confrontations that we would be able to avoid and/or resolve harmful actions both online and in the real world.