Enhancing Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Awareness among Secondary and High School Students in Afghanistan: A Case Study of Badakhshan Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v2i4.2248Keywords:
Cybersecurity Education, Digital Literacy, Online Safety, Internet Privacy, Information Security, Youth Empowerment, Educational StrategyAbstract
In the contemporary digital era, the pervasive influence of the internet underscores the imperative to equip the youth with skills for secure online navigation. While the internet presents vast opportunities, it simultaneously exposes young learners to potential risks, encompassing cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and security threats. This research meticulously examines the impact of cybersecurity education on the digital literacy and online safety of students, emphasizing the youth in Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. It advocates for the cultivation of digital literacy and online safety principles across diverse age groups and fields of study. Furthermore, the study underscores the paramount importance of instilling awareness regarding responsible digital practices related to privacy, security, and copyright, with a compelling call for active parental involvement. To execute this research, a robust stratified random sampling technique was deployed, meticulously selecting 170 male and female students from various grade levels in both public and private schools within Badakhshan province, Afghanistan. Data collection was facilitated through a comprehensive survey questionnaire featuring 16 Likert scale-based questions. Subsequently, the gathered data underwent rigorous statistical analysis, encompassing descriptive and inferential statistics, regression analysis, and qualitative content analysis. This research yields invaluable insights into the internet behavior and cybersecurity awareness of the youth in Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. It makes essential contributions to comprehending their online activities and digital literacy. The overarching goal is to empower students to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and ethical discernment by integrating cybersecurity education into school curricula. This approach not only safeguards their privacy and security but also optimizes the internet’s full potential. The study significantly contributes to fostering a safer, more responsible, and knowledge-driven society.
Downloads
References
Adams, R., & Brown, T. (2018). Preparing the Next Generation: The Role of Educational Institutions in Cybersecurity. International Journal of Cybersecurity Education, 6(1), 45-61.
Anderson, M., & Milfont, J. (2017). Collaborative Efforts in Cybersecurity Education: Involving Parents in the Process. Journal of Educational Collaboration, 10(1), 42-56.
Australian Government Department of Education. (2021). National Cybersecurity Education Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.au/
Bornaa, C. S., Abugri, M. A., & Iddrisu, A. B. (2023). Comparative Study of Traditional Face-to-Face and E-Learning Modes of Teaching Senior High School Geometry. American Journal of Education and Technology, 2(2), 10-14.
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. (2018). The Role of Cybersecurity Education in Ensuring a Secure Digital Future. Retrieved from https://cyber.gc.ca/
Colette, B. (2018). Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis Methods. Retrieved from https://humansofdata.atlan.com/2018/09/qualitative-quantitative-data-analysis-methods/
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (2019). National Strategy for Cybersecurity Education. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/
Duggan, M. (2020). The Impact of Cybersecurity Education on Digital Citizenship. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 11(4), 149-165.
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. (2021). National Initiatives for Cybersecurity Education Across Europe. Retrieved from https://www.enisa.europa.eu/
Express Computer. (2020). Notorious Cyber Security Attacks in India to Date. Retrieved from https://www.expresscomputer.in/security/notorious-cyber-security-attacks-in-india-to-date/
Government of the United Kingdom. (2020). National Cybersecurity Education Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/cyber-security-education-initiatives
Hakimi, M., Fazil, A. W., Khaliqyar, K. Q., Quchi, M. M., & Sajid, S. (2024). Evaluating The Impact of E-Learning on Girl’s Education in Afghanistan: A Case study of Samangan University. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science, 2(01), 107-120.
International Society for Technology in Education. (ISTE). (2019). Cybersecurity Education Standards for Students. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/
Japan Ministry of Education. (2017). Integrating Cybersecurity into the Japanese Educational System. Retrieved from https://www.mext.go.jp/en/
Johnson, L., et al. (2019). Building Cybersecurity Awareness Among Young Learners: A Comprehensive Framework. Journal of Information Security Education, 14(3), 215-231.
Jones, S., & Brown, E. (2020). The Necessity of Comprehensive Cybersecurity Education in a Digital World. International Journal of Information Security, 8(3), 211-225.
Li, K., et al. (2019). Fostering a Safer Digital Environment for Students through Cybersecurity Education. Journal of Digital Education, 12(4), 155-168.
Livingstone, S., & Bulger, M. (2014). Promoting Digital Citizenship Through Cybersecurity Education. International Journal of Digital Ethics, 3(2), 79-93.
McLeod, S. (2018). Questionnaires. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/questionnaires.html
Ministry of Education. (2018). School Books. Kabul: Ministry of Education.
National Cyber Security Policy. (2013). Cybersecurity Education at the National Level. Retrieved from https://www.cybersecuritypolicy.org
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (NIST). (2020). Cybersecurity Framework for Schools and Educational Institutions. Retrieved from https://www.nist.gov/
Natividad, R. J. P., & Abrogena, L. G. (2023). Availability of Technological Learning Applications and Tools, Science Teachers’ Levels of Use of Online Teaching, and Their Stages of Concerns. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, 2(3), 97-109.
Norton, A., et al. (2017). Parents as Partners: Strengthening Cybersecurity Education Through Family Involvement. Cybersecurity Journal, 5(2), 87-102.
Orr, J. (2019). Case Studies. Retrieved from https://www.cshub.com/case-studies
Rodriguez, M., et al. (2016). Fostering Responsible Digital Citizenship through Cybersecurity Education. Journal of Digital Learning, 8(3), 137-152.
Sethunathan, B. (2020). 5 Key Strategies for Creating a Cyber Awareness Program. Retrieved from https://www.softwareone.com/en-za/blog/articles/2020/03/02/5-key-strategies-for-creating-a-cyber-awareness-program
Smith, J., et al. (2018). Imparting Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity Skills to Young Learners. Journal of Educational Technology, 14(2), 87-101.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO). (2018). Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity: A Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/
Valcheva, S. (2020). Types of Graphs and Charts. Retrieved from http://www.intellspot.com/types-graphs-charts/
b
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Abdul Wajid Fazil, Musawer Hakimi, Saidamin Sajid, Mohammad Mustafa Quchi, Khudai Qul Khaliqyar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
