Cybersecurity Challenges and Awareness of the Multi-Generational Learners in Nepal

Abstract

Increased exposure to technologies has lately emerged as one of the everyday realities of digital natives, especially K-12 students, and teachers, the digital immigrants. Protection from cybersecurity risks in digital learning spaces is a human right, but students are increasingly exposed to high-risk cyberspace without time to cope with cybersecurity risks. This study, using a survey (N-891 students and 157 teachers) and in-depth interviews (27 students and 14 teachers), described the students' cybersecurity-related experiences and challenges in Nepal. This study revealed that the school’s cybersecurity support system is poor and teachers has very low awareness and competencies to protect students from cybersecurity-related challenges. To create a safe cyberspace for learners, it is urgent to enhance the cybersecurity awareness and skills of teachers, as the existing infrastructure is weak and there is a significant gap related to the cybersecurity awareness between students and teachers. Poor cybersecurity is one of the significant barriers to the quality of education in Nepal. In the age of information and technology, effective collaboration among parents, teachers, and students, the multi-generational learners, is the prerequisite for ensuring children's rights to learn in all settings including cyberspace.