Online safety for five-year-olds?

In the wake of cybercrime attacks on Optus, Telstra, and Medibank, and with more children using the internet than ever, a new report has suggested kids should learn about online safety from age five.

The report, lead by Edith Cowan University (ECU) Associate Professor and Security Research Institute (SRI) Deputy Co-Director, Dr Nicola Johnson, has recommended additional consultation around cybersecurity curriculum needs to occur.

“We need to start early with five-year-olds. We need to get the curriculum ‘right’. There is a need to educate people from a young age to protect themselves from common cybersecurity threats,” Dr Johnson said.

“It is only in year 11 and 12 elective subjects that students are taught what is now fundamental aspects of cybersecurity; this is too late.”

While primary students are taught about the dangers of using the internet and how to be safe online, the report pointed to the vagueness of what is to be covered in the new version of the Australian Curriculum.

“Exactly what needs to be taught surrounding cybersecurity needs to be very clear within the curriculum. Teachers need professional learning to help them teach cybersecure behaviour effectively and confidently,” Dr Johnson said.

Australia is also experiencing a critical shortfall in the cybersecurity workforce – despite the sector being recognised by the Federal Government as the fastest growing employment sector, with an estimated 17,000 new jobs by 2026.

Dr Johnson is co-facilitating stakeholder consultation workshops at the end of November. Interested participants should contact Dr Johnson at [email protected].