Security

Equip and Educate Students to Combat Cyberthreats

Schools can use interactive lessons and real-world examples to convey complex cybersecurity topics to students as early as elementary school.

Charlie Sander

Charlie Sander is CEO of ManagedMethods, a Boulder, Colo.-based data security and student safety platform for K–12 schools.

At a time when technology has become so integral to education, equipping students with the tools to navigate the digital landscape safely is paramount. The Cybersecurity Almanac recently issued a stark warning: With nearly 5.3 billion mobile devices globally and security threats escalating, mobile devices now constitute more than 60 percent of digital fraud.

Additionally, a report from Emsisoft highlighted a staggering 1,981 schools in 45 districts that faced ransomware attacks in 2022. Despite the work that schools are doing to secure their networks, students must recognize the need for additional measures to protect their personal devices. With children exposed to technology from a young age, it’s imperative to integrate cybersecurity as early as elementary school curricula. Beyond safeguarding against cyberthreats, cybersecurity education empowers students to make informed decisions and fosters interest in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

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The Importance of Cybersecurity Education for Children

To ensure comprehensive cybersecurity education, educators should cover fundamental topics including privacy, cyberbullying, phishing scams, the significance of strong passwords, identity theft and the role of artificial intelligence. Simplifying these concepts through age-appropriate interactive lessons facilitates understanding and gives students the knowledge to navigate the online world safely.

Initiatives such as Cyber.org’s Project REACH and K–12 Cybersecurity Learning Standards contribute to equitable access and support for educators, enhancing the effectiveness of cybersecurity programs.

Cybersecurity education can also expose students to career opportunities and set them on a promising path for their future. Interactive lessons, foundational skills development, study groups and introductions to various roles in cybersecurity can create a sense of enthusiasm for the field.

750,000

The estimated number of cybersecurity job vacancies in the U.S. in 2023

Source: apnews.com, “Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions In 2025,” April 14, 2023

Hands-on experiences through internships or mentorship programs further nurture curiosity and passion for this sought-after profession. There are an estimated 750,000 cybersecurity job vacancies in the U.S., according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and that number is expected to remain through 2025. Many districts have started IT internship and mentorship programs for their students as after-school or summer classes to help enrich interest.

Teaching Cybersecurity to K–12 Students Through Interactive Learning

Traditional approaches to teaching cybersecurity often fall short of engaging students. However, by incorporating interactive activities, teachers can make learning about online safety enjoyable and informative. Engaging students in cybersecurity education requires using interactive methods such as games, videos and classroom activities.

Videos can provide visual examples of important principles, while cybersecurity games challenge students to think critically about their online actions. Practical examples and role-playing scenarios offer real-world context, helping students understand the consequences of actions such as sharing passwords or personal information online.

Cyber Quests, for example, is a component of the US Cyber Challenge, a program created through a contract with the Center for Internet Security. The Cyber Quests series provides a platform for students to showcase their knowledge in various information security realms through online competitions. The US Cyber Challenge also includes learning opportunities through Cyber Camps for those who have completed the Cyber Quests.

Resources such as PBS’s Cybersecurity Lab game through Nova Labs and its Cyberchase television series, meanwhile, cater to various age groups to make cybersecurity education even more accessible.

Furthermore, resources such as the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program offer K–12 teachers the tools to effectively convey cybersecurity concepts. By using an interactive and exciting approach, educators can nurture students’ curiosity and encourage them to explore cybersecurity topics safely and creatively.

Many other organizations, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Google, offer free interactive resources to promote online safety. These materials empower children with the knowledge to recognize and respond to potential cyberthreats. Platforms such as PBS contribute by sharing articles and resources, ensuring that educators, parents and students stay informed about the latest cybersecurity developments.

Nurturing cybersecurity awareness among students not only ensures their safety in the digital realm but also lays the foundation for future leaders capable of managing evolving cyberthreats. By implementing interactive teaching methods and covering essential cybersecurity topics, teachers can empower the next generation to become responsible digital citizens, contributing to a safer online environment. Early exposure to cybersecurity concepts fosters curiosity and passion, paving the way for a generation of competent professionals equipped to safeguard our communities in the digital age.

UP NEXT: Protect your schools from cybercrime using a zero-trust security model.

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