On Friday, 1st November, the Dolphin Centre in Poole transformed into a hub of interactive learning as we hosted our Cybersecurity Family Event as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences. The event aimed to raise awareness about online safety and digital literacy through fun, hands-on activities, bringing together families to explore how to navigate the digital world securely.
With the invaluable support of Bournemouth University’s Public Engagement Team—Yasemin, Amanda, and Beverly—and our fantastic student volunteers, Chloe and Chelsea, we created a dynamic environment that made learning about cybersecurity engaging and accessible for all. A special thank you to the Cyber First programme, the Dorset and Avon & Somerset Cyber Prevent Teams, and in particular, James, whose collaboration inspired this event.
What We Did
- Interactive Game-Based Learning: Participants experienced CyGamBIT, an innovative tool from Cyber Innovations, designed to immerse users in real-world cybersecurity challenges. Thanks to our talented game designers, Samuel Ware and Davide Melacca (both BU alumni), CyGamBIT continues to evolve as an impactful learning resource.
- Privacy Reflection Activity: Families were invited to take Polaroid photos and reflect on what they share online. This sparked meaningful discussions about privacy boundaries and encouraged guardians to think critically about their digital footprints.
- Cybersecurity Board Games: Attendees enjoyed a selection of games that explored key themes like cyberbullying, privacy, and reputation management in an engaging, hands-on format.
The Impact
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive:
- 67% of participants reported feeling more confident about their online safety skills by the end of the event.
- 100% of participants—parents, young people, and children alike—agreed that game-based learning is an effective way to learn about cybersecurity.
- Many participants commented on how CyGamBIT made learning about online safety both fun and practical.
One participant shared: “CyGamBIT was not only fun but also taught us how to handle real-world online threats—something every family needs!”
Looking Ahead
This event is just one example of how CyGamBIT and our wider research into game-based learning can transform cybersecurity education. With continued support and collaboration, we aim to reach even more families, schools, and professionals.
If you’re interested in learning more about CyGamBIT, exploring game-based learning, or collaborating on innovative approaches to cybersecurity education, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at emily@cyberinnovations.co.uk.
Together, we’re building a safer digital future. 🌐
