How a Czech school is preparing kids to face cyber security threats
Ensuring children’s safety online is a challenge that nearly every parent faces in today’s world. This concern is shared by schools, which are beginning to implement educational programs that address cyber safety. The Smíchov Secondary School of Industry has taken an even more proactive approach. For the past seven years, the school has offered a specialized study program in cyber security.
The Smíchov Secondary School of Industry places a strong focus on practical learning, allowing students to experience real-world scenarios they may face in the field of cyber security.
David Sýkora, one of the program's teachers, explained how the approach works in an interview with Czech Radio.
"They are gradually learning to solve problems and get assistance through the Internet. They learn about cybersecurity when they work on a network traffic analysis exercise, where they try out that first attack and defense to see if they get into someone else's communication."
Sýkora and his colleagues have also developed a web interface for other middle and high schools in which students can solve simple and more advanced problems.
All primary and secondary school students are expected to acquire a greater understanding of cyber security, though with less emphasis on technical skills. This is part of the revised Framework Curriculum for Computer Science. Students will learn, for instance, how to better safeguard their personal data and recognize online fraud.
Martin Úlovec, Commissioner for Digitalisation and Digital Education at the Ministry of Education, commented on the importance of the program:
"... so that they know what digital identity is in cyberspace, that there is a digital trail left behind you. Actually, from my point of view, the important aspect is that they then understand how social networks work based on algorithms."
Data from the Czech School Inspectorate show that all primary schools are already teaching the new computer science curriculum. This is not yet the case for secondary schools, which are gradually introducing the changes. However, according to the inspectorate, about 80 % of grammar schools already have them.
Pupils' knowledge of cybersecurity has improved as a result of the revision. Last year's inspectorate report showed that around 60 per cent of pupils found what they had learned at school about controlling their accounts and keeping their data secure to be beneficial.
Karel Kovář, deputy chief inspector of schools touched on some of the reception thus far:
"There is still a proportion, about 20 per cent, who, let's say, see the education as insufficient so far."
The Ministry of Education also offers training courses for teachers and specialists who assist in implementing new teaching methods directly in schools. In addition to state support, schools can take advantage of various other training programs.
For instance, the National Office for Cyber and Information Security (NÚKIB) has developed age-appropriate educational activities. Pupils in grades five to seven of primary school can learn about the concept of a "digital footprint" through the comic book Bára's Story.
NÚKIB spokesperson Alžběta Dvořáková on what the graphic novel can teach children:
"The comic focuses on digital footprints and related socio-pathological phenomena, such as the misuse of personal data through sexting or cyberbullying. In addition to outlining the possible risks of moving on the Internet and social networks, solutions to the situations that arise are also outlined, with an emphasis on cyberbullying."
NÚKIB is also offering a course for school staff titled Give Cyber! Additionally, the office plans to enhance the course to help teachers better understand emerging online threats. The updated version of the course is expected to be available by June next year.
