Framework for Developing Cybersecurity Activities for Children in Grades K-5
Georgia Tyner, Lila Rajabion · 2022
In today's digital world, cyber-attacks are increasing daily, and many institutions and organizations understand the critical need for cybersecurity professionals. Many universities focus on developing cybersecurity programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Universities nowadays try to reach into K-12 education to interest and educate youth in cybersecurity. Through these efforts, universities expect that there will be an increased enrollment in cybersecurity programs at the technical college and university levels, helping to meet the demand for cybersecurity professionals. Research shows, there is 1) a shortage of cybersecurity talent in the workforce and 2) cybersecurity training is needed and should start as early as grades K-12. Most of the existing programs are for middle and high school students, with most courses being technology-related or computer science. K-5 has activity worksheets, books, and a handful of digital games. This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine what currently exists for K-5 cybersecurity education and applied research to create new activities thereby developing a framework that can be used by anyone to develop cybersecurity activities for children in K-5.