How to Establish Security Awareness in Schools

Abstract

The internet is a fast changing medium and comprises several websites fraught with risk. In this context especially young age groups are endangered. They have less experience using the media and little knowledge on existing internet risks. There are a number of initiatives, which are engaged in the topic of internet safety. They provide information about measures on how to prevent and to deal with internet risks. However it is not certain if these initiatives do reach their target group (children and adolescents). In this regard schools bear a special relevance, since they have the knowledge about didactic methods and the chance to address measures directly to children and adolescents. The authors of this paper provide an overview of current security education in German schools, problems and open questions. Finally the authors make recommendations on how to establish internet safety in schools.