Cybereducation in Schools Found Lacking

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) released the 2010 State of Cyberethics, Cybersafety, and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the U.S., a report which looks at the state of cyberethics, cybersafety, and cybersecurity training in the nation's schools.

The study polled teachers, school administrators, and technology coordinators. It indicates that the youth in the US aren't receiving enough instruction on how to use technology and to navigate the cyber world in a safe and responsible manner. Despite the lack of past study, most of those polled strongly agreed that these topics should be taught in schools.

"The study illuminates that there is no cohesive effort to provide young people the education they need to safely and securely navigate the digital age and prepare them as digital citizens and employees," said Michael Kaiser, Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.

Data from the study:

• >75% of teachers have spent fewer than 6 hours on cyberethics, cybersafety and cybersecurity training in the last 12 months
• 35% of teachers taught online conduct
• 27% of teachers taught about the safe use of social networks
• 18% taught about scams, fraud and social engineering
• 19% taught about safe passwords
• 72% of teachers indicated that parents bear the primary responsibility for teaching these topics, 51% of school administrators indicate that teachers are responsible

Via Stay Safe Online