Cybersecurity toolkit to curb cyber threats and bullying in schools
The DBE has introduced positive discipline in schools to deal with safety issues across all provinces. This is a comprehensive approach, which binds teachers to develop mechanisms that will instil learner discipline in the classroom context.
The Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT) will, with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), be rolling out a cybersecurity toolkit to all South African schools.
Dr Kiro Pillay, DCDT head of the cybersecurity hub, explained: “The objective of the initiative is to curb cyberbullying and threats to ensure learners, parents and teachers are educated on matters of cyber safety.”
Siphokazi Nyangiwe from DCDT delivered the presentation to DBE officials.
“To achieve the goal of effectively raising cyber safety awareness, the topics are logically incorporated into the storyline, consisting of five themes: a trip into cyberspace, protecting people, securing devices, smart apps and useful information.
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“Each theme is, in turn, divided into a further three topics. The components include a series of workbooks, word searches, videos, games and cartoons in five languages. The journey into cyberspace is guided by cyber cadets to make the journey more exciting,” she said.
“Workshops will be taking place across districts for the toolkit to be incorporated into programmes for learner grouping movements, such as the Girls’ and Boys’ Education Movement (GEMS and BEMS) and Learner Representation Councils (LRCs) as part of the care and support in schools and the school safety and social cohesion programmes in schools,” said Likho Bottoman, DBE director for social cohesion and equity in education directorate.
The DBE has introduced positive discipline in schools to deal with safety issues across all provinces. This is a comprehensive approach, which binds teachers to develop mechanisms that will instil learner discipline in the classroom context.
“Schools that take this approach encourage positive learner behaviour while preventing negative and harmful behaviour.
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“ Positive discipline in schools is integrated into the National School Safety Framework, a comprehensive approach that coordinates and consolidates all school safety interventions in the sector.
“The department is implementing two protocols, namely the protocol for the management and reporting of sexual abuse and harassment in schools, and also the protocol to deal with incidences of corporal punishment in schools.
“The impact of the two protocols have already been felt with a rise in the reporting of incidents,” said Paseka Njobe, director for Safety in Schools.
DBE recently launched the first interdepartmental school safety intervention strategy, the school violence and bullying prevention initiative, to ensure all learning environments are safe and free from any form of violence.
