The Dark Web Workshop
With instructions for accessing the so-called ‘dark web’ freely available on the ordinary internet, it is important that teachers, parents, youth service providers and community leaders educate themselves on the risks to young people.
While many of the urban legends about the dark web are nothing more than fantasy horror stories, there are real dangers that lie in wait for the unsuspecting. These include viruses, inappropriate content and scams. Dabbling in the dark web can also harm young people’s mental health and expose them to criminal activity.
We highly recommend you consider a 2020 Dreams Dark Web workshop or training package for your school, academy, youth service or community group. Once young people understand the truth about the dark web – minus the glamour – they often make the sensible decision to steer clear.
Important Note: 2020 Dreams Dark Web Workshops do not provide specific information that would help young people access the Dark Web. Child safety is our number one priority.
The Anatomy of the Internet
If you picture the internet as an iceberg, then the small exposed part is the internet we all know and love. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘clear web’, ‘the surface web’ or the ‘open web’.
Every website that Google and other standard search engines index is on the clear web. No-one knows for sure how much of the internet is made up from the clear web, but it is thought to be between one and five per cent.
The rest of the internet is referred to as the deep web. Pages here are not indexed by Google. However, the vast majority of deep web pages are those that are behind log-in credentials or paywalls (e.g. your library membership or bank account). If you ask Google not to index a web page, it then becomes part of the deep web.
The dark web is a small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden using a combination of specialised file systems, dedicated browsers and anonymous gateways. It is not inherently ‘bad’. For example, it provides a way for civilians in repressed societies to connect with one another, and it allows legitimate groups and individuals to communicate privately. However, it is a largely unregulated space and it is widely accepted that most Dark Web sites are carrying out illegal activity.
Nobody can ‘stumble across’ the dark web, because the web pages stored there are not indexed by search engines like Google. Accessing the Dark Web is always an intentional act requiring specialised software.
As with the clear web, no-one knows the true extent of the Dark Web, but estimates of between one and five per cent have been given.
2020 Dreams Dark Web Workshops
2020 Dreams Dark Web workshops tackle the ominous topic of the Dark Web in a safe, responsible way. Our experienced facilitators will bust the myths while highlighting the very real dangers of exploring this part of the internet.
Students will be encouraged to discuss their thoughts about the Dark Web in a moderated open forum discussion. They will also be gently challenged through scenario-based role play exercises. By the end of the workshop, most young people will realise that the dangers of the Dark Web (including being infected with malware, being scammed and accessing websites being tracked by the police!) far outweigh any benefits.
Shine a light into the dark web with a 2020 Dreams customised training package
Many teachers, parents, youth workers and group leaders feel unable to advise young people on the Dark Web, because they don’t really understand what it is.
2020 Dreams provide training packages and consultations to help educate responsible adults on what the Dark Web is, how it is accessed, how it is structured, what can be found there and how to protect young people.
To find out more, or to make a booking, please contact our friendly team. Call 0800 471 4983 or send an email to hello@2020dreams.org.uk
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