As a gift from the Scottish Government, a box of books on being safe and secure online is on their way for each Primary One child in all Scottish schools.
What is inside the box?
Inside each box P1 teachers will find copies of the brand-new story book Cy Bear at School Keeping Safe and Secure Online and a covering letter for your P1 Teacher/s and support staff.
Cy Bear at School – Keeping Safe and Secure Online is a first concept story book, introducing the concept of cyber security, written and illustrated by Story Learning, here in Scotland and supported by Education Scotland and the Scottish Government’s National Cyber Resilience Unit.
This bright, friendly storybook introduces young learners to the idea of staying safe and secure online. Through simple language and fun illustrations, Cy Bear helps children understand the importance of strong passwords and good digital habits – turning every child into a Cyber Security Hero!
Why is this an important concept for our Primary Ones?
In today’s digital world, learning how to stay secure online is just as important as staying safe in the real world. As part of the Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland (2025-2030), we are committed to helping children develop the skills they need to protect themselves, their date and information.
Just as children learn to lock their doors at home, they can also learn how to “lock” their digital spaces. This book supports that learning with clear explanations, colourful storytelling and engaging hands-on invitations to explore this concept further.
Support for Primary One Teachers.
Education Scotland are supporting the delivery of Cy Bear at School Keeping Safe and Secure Online through a series of online information webinars for P1 teachers and support staff and via a range of online live read-alongs for children, taking place each term with morning, afternoon, ASN and GME options.
Gifting.
The boxes will arrive in schools the week beginning 17th August 2026.
Hosting a “gifting event” creates excitement for the children and encourages them to involve their parents and carers when the bags are taken home.
You may also wish to involve older pupils by inviting them to read the story (paired reading) to the Primary One children and support their younger peers to explore the learning invitations and the coinciding symbolised resources created by CALL Scotland for children with additional support needs.
The first two information sessions are taking place in June. Please share across your networks:
Thursday 18th June 10.30-11am session https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/15ed69f6-12ac-4ae2-9a0b-1b0e15a97b91@0ef77447-1083-4dec-b89f-27c765076840
Thursday 18th June 3.30-4pm https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c3423f95-c882-4dd0-803f-6d5d82428f35@0ef77447-1083-4dec-b89f-27c765076840
Additional online resources:
- Tips for creating strong passwords to stay secure online | Parent Club – the online version of Cy Bear will be accessible here later in June.
- Symbols – CALL Scotland blog – the accessible symbolised resources will be available here in September.
- Education Scotland webinar and read along calendar – Over 30 sessions being added and will be available for sign up soon.
- Paired reading toolkit – Scottish Book Trust
