Situational Awareness and Internet Safety Learning Objects
Through an innovative partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, WHRO’s Digital Learning Team created a ground breaking series of digital learning games and scenario-based assets designed to help middle school students build essential personal safety and situational awareness skills. These engaging resources support Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers as they meet the requirements of Virginia House Bill 1215, which requires all grade 7 and 8 physical education classes to include at least one hour of personal safety training each school year, developed and delivered in partnership with local law enforcement, addressing situational awareness and social media safety. The games also align with Virginia’s Model Policy on Internet Safety.
This interactive series goes well beyond a static lesson. Each of the six games immerses students in real-world situations where their choices matter. They practice navigating challenging, age-appropriate scenarios related to digital behavior, communication, social pressure, and day-to-day personal safety.
Game Highlights Include:
- Communication Kickoff puts students on a metaphorical football field where social interactions are the plays. With each decision, students actively build stronger communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Cosmic Quest: Protect Your Digital Orbit takes students on a galactic journey where safe digital practices fuel their mission. Choices impact their progress, helping them better understand online privacy and digital decision-making.
- Danger Detectors! challenges students to spot unsafe situations in common settings and respond wisely, boosting their critical thinking and alertness.
- Digital Wellness focuses on healthy tech habits, guiding students to balance screen time and navigate digital content in ways that promote physical and mental well-being.
- Unlocking Safety Awareness uses a simulated school day to teach students how to stay alert, report concerns, and make smart, safe decisions in school environments.
- What Would You Do? places students in everyday scenarios—like answering a knock at the door while home alone—to help them practice real-time decision-making under pressure.
View a collection of these learning objects in eMediaVASM.