Should Schools Focus On Cybersecurity Awareness Programs

When students have access to the internet, schools must focus on cybersecurity awareness programs. Life goes on with or without awareness programs, but when you have ground rules and awareness, it gives you a direction. If a home lacks adequate knowledge and education about cybersecurity, a school can step in and provide the details to save our kids from the threats of the virtual world. 

You and your kids are living in the age of information technology. So it’s vital to keep pace with the fast-changing world. As a result, schools must focus on cybersecurity awareness programs with the significance of online presence, doing homework online, playing games, and more. 

Read on for more information. 

Benefits of Cybersecurity Awareness Programs In School

Raising awareness means addressing a concern so that you can find a viable solution for it. Not many parents may be aware of the dangers of the online world. It all comes down to parents’ knowledge and whether they are doing anything about it. 

When your kids start school, they spend most of their days in the school zone. They have friends, and it’s a second home where they look up to teachers. There is peer pressure, of course, but love, friendship, bonding, and sharing also exist. A school is a place for creating fond memories, and parents would love that kids to enjoy their time at school. When schools have such high value in a kid’s life, it’s a place that has the power to change lives in the real world and even online. 

You can expect the following if the schools focus on cybersecurity awareness programs:

• More parents will learn about cybersecurity and why it’s vital to take adequate measures; if your kids are becoming a victim of cyberbullying or if there are any other dangers. 
• Kids take their teachers as role models, and they follow their advice. When teachers tell kids early on about stranger danger in the online and real world, it would be easy for kids to grasp the idea of online threats and issues. 
• Kids can learn not to share their school name, personal information, location, or anything relevant online. Schools can prepare presentations and teach kids about what happens when such details are shared. 
• If parents or grandparents who care for their kids do not know about cybersecurity or the online world, how would you expect the kids to be aware of any danger? But, on the other hand, if they can learn about such things in school, kids can encourage parents to learn more about such things. 
• When parents are busy in the hustle and bustle of life and have no time to communicate with kids, they may not realize what kids are doing online. Under such circumstances, a kind teacher and an awareness program could be life-changing. 
• An awareness program may not be a compulsion, but it’s wise to raise awareness through some means. So, introducing the concept of how to be respectful of digital citizens can save kids from cyberbullying and other such issues. 
• If kids complain of online harassment or threats, it’s best if the school can address such concerns. The school may also be using online means of technology. Thus, it would be a good idea to release newsletters and update social media posts to encourage parents to limit screen time, establish internet rules, and more. 
• Schools play an integral role in shaping the minds and lives of young minds, but what happens after school hours is under parents’ supervision. However, raising awareness about the issues that affect the youth of our time would be a wise decision.

As parents, you have the power to raise concerns and talk to your school about starting an awareness program that can cover the concepts related to cybersecurity, online threats, and how to be safe in the online world. Whether online or in the real world, the goal is to raise kind humans who benefit society and contribute to its well-being. 

Final Words 

Yes, schools can significantly raise awareness about cybersecurity and other issues our kids face in the modern world. So, awareness programs on cybersecurity would be excellent for kids and their parents. Some parents may not know about the dangers of the online world and can also learn a lot through their kids and school. The schools can also run workshops for parents and their kids to cover different topics and raise awareness of the issues affecting digital citizens. 

Independent Education Consultant For Cambridge International Schools. I’m a post graduate in English Literature and Language and have a Ph.D. in education with 20 years of experience in National and International schools. I have a thorough knowledge of IB curriculum and IGCSE and Cambridge School Program. I’m a passionate educator and a leader with excellent people handling skills.