Improving Cybersafety Maturity of South African Schools

Abstract

This research investigated the current maturity levels of cybersafety in South African schools. The maturity level indicates if schools are prepared to assist relevant role players (teachers and learners) in establishing a cybersafety culture within the school environment. The research study measured the maturity levels of cybersafety in 24 South African schools by evaluating the four main elements that are needed to improve cybersafety within schools. These elements are (1) leadership and policies, (2) infrastructure, (3) education, and (4) standards and inspection. The study used a UK-approved measurement tool (360safe) to measure the cybersafety maturity of schools within South Africa, using five levels of compliance (Level 1: full compliance, to Level 5: no compliance). The data analysis clearly indicated that all the schools that participated in the study had a significantly low level of cybersafety maturity and compliance. Schools are starting to adopt technology as part of their educational and social approach to prepare learners for the future, but there is a clear lack of supporting cybersafety awareness, policies, practices and procedures within South African schools. The research proposed a step-by-step approach involving a ten-phase cybersafety plan to empower schools to create and grow their own cybersafety culture.

Cyber Incident Handling and the Perceptions of Learners on Cyber Incidents in South African Schools

“…A consolidated report from provinces must be submitted every quarter to the national Department of Basic Education (DBE). This was also supported in [14], [15], and [37] by the authors who agreed with many other scholars. These authors believe that it is important for learners to be aware of the cyber safety issues and the cyber incident reporting procedures so that they can get help whenever they need it.…”

“…Some studies were done to try and understand the critical issue of cyber safety. In [14], the author investigated the maturity levels of cyber safety in South African schools. The study was intended to assess whether schools are prepared to help learners and educators to come up with cyber safety culture within the school environment.…”

“…The study involved 24 schools in South Africa, and the investigation was through a critical evaluation of the elements that are important in improving cyber safety in schools. The elements in [14] which were evaluated include leadership and policies, infrastructure, education and standards, and inspection. After measuring cyber safety successfully using one of the UK approved measurement tool, the 360safe tool, the study discovered that all the schools had low levels of cyber safety maturity and compliance.…”

“…After measuring cyber safety successfully using one of the UK approved measurement tool, the 360safe tool, the study discovered that all the schools had low levels of cyber safety maturity and compliance. In [14], the author further discovered that there is a clear lack of cyber safety awareness policies, practices, and procedures in the schools in South Africa. The study went on to propose a step-by-step cyber safety plan to empower schools to create their own cyber safety culture.…”

“…South African schools are adopting Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as part of an educational and social approach to prepare learners for the future. However, there is a lack of supporting cyber incident handling procedures to empower schools to deal with cyber incidents [14]. Cyber incidents are increasing among learners and yet there is very little guidance for schools on how to deal with cyber incidents [15].…”