There has been a significant increase in the number of cyber crimes committed by teenagers and college students in recent years!
One of the main reasons for this rise is the widespread use of technology and the Internet among young people. Many teenagers and college students have access to advanced technology and are skilled at using it, making it easier for them to do "risky experiments", i.e. commit cyber crimes. A detailed account of such behaviour is presented in the chapter 'Juveniles and Cyber Crime' of the book published by Sage Publishers.
In addition to the thrill-factor among teenagers and college students, there is the lack of awareness about the consequences of such actions. Many young people are unaware of the legal and financial consequences of committing cyber crimes, and may not fully understand the harm that can be caused to individuals or organizations. It's like not knowing the difference between a playground and a highway. The rise in cyber crimes committed by teenagers and college students is a cause for concern, as it can have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the victims. It is important for young people to be educated about the dangers of cyber crime and the importance of responsible online behaviour.
The most potent solution to curb this problem is Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity (DCIM) education for children.
If delivered well, DCIM education can bring about a change in the online behaviour among children and steer them towards a constructive, safe and ethical use of the Internet. DCIM education focuses on teaching young people about responsible and ethical online behaviour, and helps them understand the consequences of their actions online.
If delivered effectively, DCIM education can help children understand the importance of being good digital citizens. It can also help them understand how to protect themselves and others from cyber threats, and encourage them to use the Internet in a positive and constructive manner.
DCIM education can also play a critical role in shaping the attitudes and behaviour s of young people towards online safety and security. By teaching children about the risks of online activities and the importance of protecting their personal information, DCIM education can help them make informed decisions about their online behaviour .
Therefore it seems logical that the cyber police must actively promote DCIM education in schools. By doing so, the cyber police can help to raise awareness about the dangers of cyber crime and the importance of responsible online behaviour among young people.
There are several ways in which the cyber police can promote DCIM education in schools.
For example, they can work with schools to implement DCIM curricula that teach young people about online safety and security. They can encourage the school administration to establish a DCIM Club in their school, which would work year long towards online safety. They can also engage with students directly through educational presentations and workshops, which can help to raise awareness about the risks of cyber crime and the importance of being good digital citizens.
In addition to promoting DCIM education, the cyber police can also work with schools to develop strategies for identifying and addressing cyber crimes committed by students. This may include working with school administrators and teachers to identify potential cyber criminals and developing strategies for preventing and addressing cyber crimes within the school community.
The cyber police have an important role to play in promoting DCIM education in schools and helping to prevent cyber crimes committed by teenagers and college students. By actively promoting DCIM education and working with schools to address cyber crimes, the cyber police can help to create a safer and more secure online environment for young people.