ESET brings cyber security to the forefront of education

As a global leader in digital security, ESET strives to empower people, from families to enterprise businesses, to enjoy technology without the risk of security compromise.

Preparing the next generations to secure themselves against cyber threats is key to a safer digital future. ESET’s progressive corporate social responsibility initiative, Safer Kids Online, makes a valuable and sustainable contribution to supporting children’s digital well-being. As part of the initiative, ESET works with partner AFC Bournemouth to spread awareness within the community. In 2022, Digital Matters was developed in partnership with Internet Matters – a nonprofit organisation providing expertise to support schools as they teach the online safety curriculum and media literacy. Digital Matters is a free online learning platform designed to help KS2 teachers in the classroom, parents at home, and students in their digital journey. It provides interactive lessons and dynamic storytelling to engage young people (aged nine-11) in online safety, from cyberbullying to fake news.

Digital Matters was created to meet the new and changing online safety requirements within the UK curriculum while encouraging discussion around safer Internet use.

The platform is divided into two sections:

1. Interactive Learning – students start here, led by their teacher, and learn about the e-safety concept through interactive activities and prompted discussion

2. Once Upon Online – children guide their character through choices using what they have learned in the previous section. The story allows them to make realistic choices in a safe environment to help them better understand the consequences of their choices

Teachers can download free lesson plans about online safety and supporting materials to guide students through both the Interactive Learning and Once Upon Online sections. There is also a take-home component to encourage parents to engage with their child’s Internet safety education as well.

Parents can access the app through the Parent Companion Guide, which provides information about the app and the topic to ensure they can support their child online. They can then follow the Take Home activity set by their child’s teacher or lead their child through both sections themselves.

Since the launch of Digital Matters, over two thousand schools have signed up in the UK. Malcolm Tuck, ESET UK and N. Ireland’s managing director said: “The driving force behind the highly anticipated Digital Matters platform is to ultimately encourage young people’s engagement in their online safety education, making it a welcome solution as we ebb towards an increasingly digital future.” www.eset.com