In 2024/2025, we ran CyberNinjas – a free Virtual Reality game and school incursion, teaching children and young people how to safely navigate the metaverse.
*Recent News* CyberNinjas was selected as a finalist in the Australian Information Security Association (AISA) Cyber Security Awards for “Community Education Program of the Year”.
The CyberNinjas project has now concluded, but you can still explore the information to learn more about our work and impact. While we are not actively running the project, we welcome inquiries from anyone interested in our past initiatives.
CyberNinjas Information
We use interactive storytelling and 3D immersive technologies to deliver impactful online safety training for children and their communities. In the CyberNinjas game, students embark on an interactive investigation. They solve clues and learn appropriate cyber behaviours in a safe and fun virtual environment. It’s designed to be both engaging and educational, following both the Australian and Victorian Curriculum.
Our school incursions are free! We bring the VR headsets, and the activity can be adapted to suit your school/classroom.
What does the experience include?
Our team delivers a brief educational session about safety in the metaverse. This is followed by a VR game (ages 10+), or online computer game, whereby players investigate a scenario set within a futuristic library. The experience reveals key messages about online safety, respectful relationships, and cyber resilience.
The VR game is designed for kids aged 10 to 16. There are also two game modes – one for Primary students and one for Secondary. If VR isn’t an option, or students are under the age of 10, CyberNinjas can also be played as a web game. You’ll find the link to the game, along with further resources via the links below.
How can you sign up?
Please contact us via email at deakincyber@deakin.edu.au or through our online form
CyberNinjas Web Game
CyberNinjas Information Sheet
Design Summit - Digital Responsibility and Safety in the Metaverse
We brought together people from education, industry and government for a collaborative design sprint exploring digital responsibility in the metaverse. During the event, participants discussed questions like “‘What are the most significant challenges in making the metaverse safe?” and “What concerns you the most when thinking of young people using the metaverse?”. To delve into these conversations and insights, please download our Design Summit Report: Young People and the Metaverse.
Audience
Children aged 8 to 16 in metropolitan and regional Victoria and regional NSW.
Funding by the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner
$423,765
Researchers/Project team
- Professor Robin Doss
- Dr Sophie Mckenzie
- Dr Jeb Webb
- Dr Graeme Pye
- A/Prof Radhika Gorur
- A/Prof William Yeoh
- Mr Sanjay Selvaraj
- Ms Emmica Schlobohm
Want to know more?
Speak with us today about bringing our CyberNinjas VR experience to your school.
