Online security is the process to recognize threats online and figuring out ways to ward off these threats. This includes keeping personal information secure as well as avoiding malware and recognizing harmful or illegal content.
As students are increasingly spending their lives and time online, it’s essential that they understand the importance of cyber safety. They should know that there are real risks to their security and privacy like cyberbullying and identity theft. They should also know that careless or reckless Internet behavior can lead to serious consequences. For example, a New Hampshire politician lost his job after posting inappropriate images and negative comments about his opponents on social media.
When they’re playing, shopping or chatting with friends there are a lot of things that can go wrong. For instance, it’s simple to click on a malicious link inside an email text message, online advertisement that could create a malware infection on a device. Once an insulting or embarrassing comment, image or video has been published and posted, it’s almost impossible to remove.
Teachers can employ a variety of engaging activities to help children learn more about cyber safety. Students can make an animated digital cartoon about the dangers of bullying or meet a person they met on the internet in person to spark classroom discussions and develop critical thinking and media literacy. Students can also learn about cyber safety by creating an online mock article.