Abstract
A significant number of online users are underage. Hence, their caregivers and the children themselves should know how to keep themselves safe and secure online.
Our aim is to understand which cyber risks children and parents identify through independent research, whether these cyber risks are in line with the state of research and official recommendations and whether risk-informed learning materials for children, parents and teachers would be beneficial.
We identified a list of cyber risks that affect children online. We examined German advisory websites and research publications to determine coverage of these. We then developed a website to provide comprehensive coverage specifically for German children, which we evaluated with a sample of children, their parents and teachers.
German advisory websites, official bodies and researchers do not agree on what is considered a cyber risk for children. Researchers mention many risks that are not mentioned by advisory websites. Targeted risk-informed learning content should improve the situation.
This research is a first step towards providing German children, their parents, and teachers with coherent, up-to-date and easily understandable advice about online safety and security risks and the mitigations that can be used to prevent them. More cooperation between stakeholders is urgently needed ensure children are protected.
Our aim is to understand which cyber risks children and parents identify through independent research, whether these cyber risks are in line with the state of research and official recommendations and whether risk-informed learning materials for children, parents and teachers would be beneficial.
We identified a list of cyber risks that affect children online. We examined German advisory websites and research publications to determine coverage of these. We then developed a website to provide comprehensive coverage specifically for German children, which we evaluated with a sample of children, their parents and teachers.
German advisory websites, official bodies and researchers do not agree on what is considered a cyber risk for children. Researchers mention many risks that are not mentioned by advisory websites. Targeted risk-informed learning content should improve the situation.
This research is a first step towards providing German children, their parents, and teachers with coherent, up-to-date and easily understandable advice about online safety and security risks and the mitigations that can be used to prevent them. More cooperation between stakeholders is urgently needed ensure children are protected.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Mensch Und Computer 2024 |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 12 Jul 2024 |