Equipping students with cyber safety skills

In today's digital age, cybersecurity awareness has become a significant part of our culture. As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats that come with it. For teenagers and high schoolers, who are constantly connected through various digital platforms, practicing safe cyber habits is more crucial than ever.

Online safety for teens is crucial. Teens are among the most active users of digital technology, engaging in activities that range from social media interactions to online shopping. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, 96% of teens report using the Internet daily, with 46% saying that they are on the internet almost constantly. That's up from 24% in 2015.

While most of the internet use among teens is for entertainment and other harmless interactions, there are opportunities for unhealthy habits to develop. Act for Youth highlights dangers including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content as well. For example, 52% of teens surveyed say they have been exposed to pornography depicting aggression or violence while 23% of teens say they've been bullied online in the past month, up from 16% in 2016.

With more day-to-day tasks requiring a digital touchpoint, it's essential for high schoolers to adopt safe cyber practices. Let's take a look at essential cyber safety tips everyone in the school community should know.

The role of educators in cyber safety

Educators hold a pivotal position in shaping the cyber awareness of their students. As technology becomes an integral part of education and daily life, there is an important opportunity for teachers to educate their students about risks, realities, and prevention techniques to be cyber safe.

By embracing this responsibility, educators play a crucial role in fostering a generation that not only has digital literacy but is also security conscious. This proactive approach helps build a safer online environment for everyone, as students carry these lessons into their personal and professional lives. Through their guidance, teachers are shaping informed students with relevant digital citizenship who are equipped to thrive in a connected world.

Smart cyber practices for high schoolers

Below you'll find a list of some tips to help ensure students stay safe online.

Password protection: Use strong, unique passwords for each account and change them regularly. Make sure the password is at least ten characters long and includes a mix of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.

Report suspicious messages: Be cautious of messages and emails from unknown sources and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Students can report any messages they feel are suspicious to a teacher or their parents for guidance.

Don't overshare on social media: Be cautious about sharing personal details online and ensure that sensitive information is kept secure. Details like school names, home addresses, and telephone numbers should never be posted online. Also, be sure to adjust your privacy settings so that people you don't know can't access your information and your personal data is protected.

Keep all apps and software up to date: Cyber threats change and evolve constantly. It's important to regularly update your apps and software to ensure your devices are equipped with the latest and greatest protections so that you are safe from vulnerabilities.

Browse with caution: Make sure to only visit trusted websites and use trusted apps. Malware can be hidden in apps and websites, trying to lure you to click a link or download something. If you plan on making online purchases, make sure to monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Secure all devices: Students share their spaces and interact with many different people throughout the day. It's important they remain vigilant when it comes to physical property like phones and laptops. These devices should be safely locked away or remain on their person.

Together, we can build a safer digital future for all

When used correctly, the online world can be engaging, informative, and a lot of fun. However, much like the physical world, it comes with its own set of risks. With the guidance of educators, students can stay safe while enjoying all the positive aspects the online world has to offer.

Curious about how we're collaborating with schools to teach cyber pathways? Discover how we're making a difference in educating the next generation of cyber-savvy individuals. Learn more about our partnership with Gwinnett County when you visit our blog.