Collaboration between parents and children to raise cybersecurity awareness

Abstract

In the early years of children’s lives, parents and caregivers greatly influence children’s device use and access to online activities. Children’s learning and online behavior typically start to develop based on their experiences within the family environment. In this paper, we highlight the significant role of parents and the importance of parent–child collaboration in cybersecurity education. We also briefly present our ongoing efforts to improve parent–child collaboration in cybersecurity education through a game-based learning approach. When crafting solutions to increase children’s cybersecurity awareness, future researchers and designers should take into account and ensure an active and engaging role for parents that goes beyond merely monitoring and regulating children’s online access and activities.