Are you aware that there are more than 460 million internet users in India, and this is expected to grow to around 635.8 million by 2021? Or, that nearly 81% of kids between the ages of 8-16 are active on social media? Or, that of the children who are active on social media, 69% have published photos, 58% have posted their email address and 44% would meet or have met someone in person that they first met online?
Just goes to show, that our kids are tech-smart but not very cybersafety conscious. To make the Digital India dream come true and benefit the nation, internet users must be well-versed in cybersecurity and cyber etiquette. As our kids will be tomorrow’s India, bringing them up to be model digital citizens should be a top priority. Where can they get this knowledge? Schools, without a doubt.
Let’s think about why it is important to teach cybersafety in school:
- Children accept teachers as information providers and give credence to their words
- Cybersafety training can be tailored according to age and grade
- Group learning helps in building virtual social bonds, and confidence
- Campaigns, contests and bulletin boards can be used to promote better virtual behaviour
- New lectures similar to value education can be taken up to teach online etiquette. Many schools have been organizing such cybersafety sessions, but it needs to become a regular feature
I asked some educators what their views were on internet safety and digital citizenship in the school curriculum and this is what they said:
“It is the need of the hour,” said Sunita Rajiv, assistant headmistress, at Ahlcon International School, New Delhi.
“It’s a must,” said Ritu Sehji, educator, author, presenter, based in New Zealand.
What should be the learning outcomes of cybersecurity sessions?
Children should:
- Stay informed about cybersafety and cyber civics
- Know how to identify dangers and tackle them
- Make informed decisions online
- Learn how to surf in a secure environment
- Use the internet to learn and build a network
The main points to be covered in the cyber security sessions:
- Social Media: etiquette; safety; mutual respect; diplomacy; language; content
- The norms of sharing: How much to share; what not to share and with whom; Too much sharing and future effects
- The importance of privacy: How to secure devices; accounts; profile; passwords
- Scams, Spams, hacking: Attachments and links in mails and posts; key words to look out for
- Block and report accounts: When to consider this option-How to keep records; whom to inform; how to block and report
- Identify fake: How to identify fake profiles and messages; how to authenticate data before sharing; how to block and report cyberbullies and predators
- Dares, challenges and other risky games: How to identify peer pressure and avoid them; understand that such risky challenges are the new faces of cyberbullying and how to counteract them; how to tackle online bullying; creating support group for victims
- Footprints in the digital sands of time: How posts have future implications, and may impact college admissions and/or career. How to remove posts and photos shared and sanitize social media accounts
- Smartphone safety: Using security apps, GPS, geotagging, selfie risks
- Financial risks: e-transactions
It will be a great idea to set up information kiosks or designate a bulletin board where the latest updates on internet safety can be shared. Further, schools need to sensitize parents and organize cyber security awareness seminars for them. The presence of a dedicated counsellor to advise and guide kids on issues pertaining to cybersafety will be of great help to children and parents alike.
And always wind up your lessons with the cybersafety mantra- STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
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