SCHOOLS across Teignbridge are being encouraged to sign up for a specialist session aimed at helping young people with an interest in the cyber industry make safe and informed choices online.

Devon and Cornwall Police is offering 90-minute Cyber Choices sessions to schools across Devon, targeting students who have an interest in computers, technology or a potential career in the cyber industry.

The programme is designed to encourage young people to develop their digital skills for legitimate purposes, while helping them understand the difference between legal and illegal cyber activity.

Sessions will be delivered by the force’s Cyber Prevention Officer and staff from its Digital Capabilities Unit.

They can be adapted to suit any year group where students are under 18.

Detective Constable Tamsyn May, from the Digital Capabilities Unit, said it was important to support young people who have an interest in technology while ensuring they understand the potential consequences of unlawful activity.

‘Whilst young people who are interested in the cyber industry need to be encouraged to develop their skills and curiosity, it’s important that we educate them on key topics’, she said.

The sessions cover cyber-dependent crime – offences which can only be committed using computers, networks or other technology, such as hacking or spreading computer viruses.

DC May added: ‘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’.

The Cyber Choices programme is a national initiative co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency and also raises awareness of offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Schools in Teignbridge, and elsewhere in Devon, can register their interest by emailing [email protected]

Police stress that the session is specifically aimed at young people with a particular interest in the cyber industry, rather than providing general online safety advice.