The digital playground of today is full of children using social media, engaging with online games, and having a connection with the interface. But with this increased exposure comes a growing concern: cybersecurity awareness. Although there is a benefit to teaching online safety through the more conventional methods, would it not be great if children could obtain some basic cybersecurity knowledge while laughing? Welcome to the fun of cyber security games for the next gen!
Most of these games act as a strong point gearing the new generation towards the aspect of cybersecurity education through games. According to CyberGhost research, cybersecurity games can play a valuable role in enhancing children’s awareness of risks in the virtual world as well as developing their strong protecting factors for safe use of the Internet.
The Problem: Why the Stakes are High
The internet may be a great and mysterious space that can contain threats. Vishing, smishing, pharming and many other sins are still prowling online threatening the public’s security and integrity. However due to ignorance and lack of skills most children do not have capacity to recognize these risks. This makes them susceptible to cyber criminals including child predators and cyber theft, thus they compromise their privacy and data.
Fortunately, cybersecurity games for the next gen fill this critical void. Due to this, these games educate the participants about the basics of cybersecurity in an entertaining way. Instead of memorising dry facts, kids actively participate in simulated scenarios, learning valuable skills like:
- Spotting Red Flags: Playing games will help children learn to identify spam emails, fake sites, and phishing, thus they will not fall victims to online cons.
- Building Strong Passwords: Password colleague is an application where games can be used in teaching kids how to create strong and unique passwords for different accounts.
- Safe Browsing Habits: Of course, most of the games replicate real-life Internet experience, so kids can learn the correct behaviour on the Internet, such as refraining from unsafe downloads and connecting to unsecured networks, while not facing actual consequences.
- Understanding Data Privacy: There are many ways that cybersecurity games can teach concepts such as data protection and using social networking responsibly all of which create awareness of digital responsibility.
Challenges and Considerations: Bridging the Gap
While cybersecurity games offer a fun and engaging approach to online safety education, it’s important to acknowledge some challenges:
- Age-Appropriate Play: Cybersecurity games range from easy ones to intermediary to professional level for cyber security personnel. To encourage learning it’s important that the child plays games that are appropriate for their age and development level.
- Real-World Application: The virtual has to be interfaced with the real in some way to address this debate. Explaining the theoretical context of online safety after playing does exactly this and also consolidates learning which was observed.
- Parental Involvement: The parents of the learners are especially influential in supporting the messages provided in cybersecurity games. Education on internet safety, close supervision as well as establishment of strict guidelines help go a long way in the protection of children online.
Beyond the Games: Building a Strong Foundation
Cybersecurity games should be embraced and played but are not the only thing a child needs to learn about cybersecurity. Here are some additional ways to empower the next gen to navigate the digital world safely:
- Open Communication: Promote natural discussion with your kids about being safe online. It helps parents to guide children to explore, seek clarification on anything they catch on the social-networking sites.
- Family Rules and Expectations: Explain and enforce reasonable guidelines and expectations concerning the use of the virtual platform and associated technologies, concerning content, frequency, and safe and proper usage of social networks.
- Privacy Settings: Teach your children about the available privacy settings in their social media accounts and other social interactive sites. Help them configure their privacy settings so their friends do not post things which may embarrass them into their timeline.
If we combine the cybersecurity games with the open discussion and factual interaction with parents with focus on cybersecurity and cybersecurity principles, then we will prepare better future digital citizens. As technology advances, it will always be important for the next gen to develop a good foundation in cybersecurity to be able to guard themselves and their information in the future.
