As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we look at how tutors become digital guardians, incorporating cybersecurity into homeschooling and partnering with parents to navigate the online learning adventure safely.

Homeschooled and tutored children aren't relying on books and whiteboards - they arguably have access to more digital resources than children at school. They're embracing online resources and realms, VR and AI, meets and hangouts.

With this shift, tutors are becoming invaluable allies, stepping up as mentors in cybersecurity to ensure that children can explore, learn, and grow in a safe online environment.

Balancing the Risks and Rewards

Innovative learning tools range from educational software and apps, online curriculums, video conferencing platforms for virtual classrooms, to collaborative documents and cloud-based storage for easy access and sharing materials.

Students can personalise their learning experiences with interactive games, tailored learning programs, and access to a global library of resources. But they come with inherent risks that families must be aware of in order to mitigate them:

• Privacy concerns: Apps, websites and cloud storage may not adequately protect personal data, which may be exposed or sold.
• Cyberbullying: Digital learning can expose children to anonymous, remote harassment.
• Inappropriate content: Deep-diving into a given topic can inadvertently lead children to down a rabbithole of harmful content.
• Distractions and screen time: Videos, games and social media can sidetrack students, leading to an unhealthy amount of screen time.
• Security vulnerabilities: Cyberattacks often target educational platforms, putting sensitive data at risk.

Just as you protect them in the real world, addressing online risks involves a combination of oversight and education: using secure and reputable tools, setting up robust parental controls, regularly discussing etiquette and safety, and closely monitoring the spaces where children learn and interact.

Tutors as Cybersecurity Mentors

Understanding the basics of cybersecurity is a fundamental skill for anyone who uses the internet, including children - and tutors have a unique opportunity to reinforce cybersecurity principles early on.

But what does that look like in practice?

Tutors can begin by educating themselves on the basics of cybersecurity and then translate this knowledge into age-appropriate lessons. They can incorporate these principles into their teaching materials, using real-life scenarios to explain the consequences of poor digital hygiene. For example, when assigning projects that require online research, tutors can discuss how to evaluate credible sources and avoid phishing attempts.

Moreover, tutors can demonstrate the use of strong passwords and explain the reasoning behind them. They can lead by example, using secure methods to communicate and exchange documents with students. In these ways, tutors become more than subject matter educators - they become the frontline defence in a child's cybersecurity education.

Parents and Tutors Working Together for Better Security

The digital protection of homeschooled students is not a job for tutors alone; it requires a collaborative effort with parents. Tutors can work with parents to establish a unified cybersecurity strategy. This partnership can include setting up secure Wi-Fi networks, determining appropriate filters for web content, and agreeing the ground rules for online behaviour.

Regular meetings with parents can keep both parties informed about the children's progress and any cybersecurity concerns that may arise. For instance, tutors can inform parents if they notice a child struggling with safe online practices or if they suspect a security risk. Additionally, parents can share insights from home that might inform the tutor's approach to cybersecurity education.

Developing a Response Plan for Potential Cyber Incidents

While prevention is preferable, it is also essential to be prepared for potential cyber incidents. Tutors, in collaboration with parents, should develop a response plan. This plan should include steps to take in the event of various cybersecurity incidents, such as a data breach, encounter with inappropriate content, or a malware infection.

The response plan could involve technical steps, such as running antivirus scans or changing passwords, and communicative steps, such as informing all involved parties and possibly law enforcement. It's crucial that both the tutor and parents understand their roles in this plan to act swiftly and effectively, minimising potential harm and restoring a safe learning environment.

By taking on the role of cybersecurity mentors, collaborating closely with parents, and preparing for the unexpected, tutors play an essential part in the digital safety of homeschooled children. Their proactive approach and preparedness not only protect the students but also enhance the educational experience by providing a secure environment in which to learn and grow.

Cybersecurity Resources for Tutors and Parents

There are so many wonderful tools and resources available to parents and educators around cybersecurity and protecting our children from online dangers. But it’s good to have somewhere to start, so here are a few to get you going.

For younger children:

• Thinkuknow: Created by the National Crime Agency/CEOP, Thinkuknow offers resources tailored for various age groups, including under-12s, to help them learn about staying safe online.
• Childnet International: Provides a range of resources including lesson plans and videos to help younger children understand online safety.
• FTC's Protecting Kids Online: The US Federal Trade Commission provides resources and games that teach kids how to navigate the internet securely.

For teenagers:

• Cyber Discovery: A government-backed program aimed at teenagers which includes gamified learning suited to teach cybersecurity skills.
• The UK Safer Internet Centre: Offers resources designed to help schools and teachers educate teenagers about navigating the internet safely.
• CISA's Cybersecurity Education & Training: Cyber Range offers materials and resources for educators to prepare teenagers for understanding more complex cybersecurity concepts.