Cybersafety in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

FOR CHILDREN GROWING UP in today's world, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has become a normalised feature of that world. Although ICT offers children wonderful opportunities for learning, it exposes them to risks and dangers unknown to previous generations. This article contends that, as soon as young children begin to engage with cybertechnologies, they should also begin cybersafety education. This should include strategies both to protect the child and to form an understanding of the ethical responsibilities needed for cybercitizenship (Berson & Berson, 2004) when using cybertechnologies. For this education to be effective it is suggested that early childhood centres use a multi-layered approach and work in partnership with parents. This article discusses the potential risks for children and the role of the teacher in cybersafety education.