Supporting the Cyber Safety of Young People

The school's cybersecurity awareness program has reached over 10,000 students, teachers, and related groups, providing recipients with crucial online safety information. The program aims to increase public awareness of cybersecurity and help them better cope with online risks.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) National Crime Prevention Department (NCPD), the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the RSIPF-Australian Federal Police Partnership Program (RAPPP). The shared goal of NCPD, CERT, and RAPPP is to strengthen the online safety protection of children.

The online awareness program has been conducted in 21 target schools in and around Honiara, and is also available to other interested groups upon request. This initiative is designed to address the increasing online risks and raise awareness among all online users, especially students.

The program includes stakeholders providing briefings on online risks and responsibilities, covering topics such as cyberbullying, privacy protection, responsible social media use, and identifying potential online threats like scams, hacking, and misinformation. Given the rapid increase in internet usage and social media interaction among young people, this awareness program is particularly important.

Andrew Junior Aratara, a staff member from CERT, stated regarding the importance of raising awareness that young people are increasingly connecting through the internet and facing more digital risks. He pointed out that raising awareness will provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe online.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and teachers in schools that have received the program demonstrates its effectiveness and impact, which has instilled confidence in the program's success. RAPPP, a key partner in the program, conducted a survey in the schools that received the program and recorded widespread praise from students and teachers. They reported that students and teachers have increased confidence in identifying online dangers and cyberbullying.

In addition to schools, the program has been extended to other community groups interested in enhancing their cybersecurity knowledge. Churches, sports groups, and other community organizations have all made requests to the awareness team. The program's partners are planning to focus on these groups to ensure all areas feel equally valued and included when facing this emerging type of crime.

RAPPP Advisor Kevin Shaw stated that education is crucial to protecting communities, especially children and adolescents, from online risks. He pointed out that "extortion, bullying, and threats targeting vulnerable members of our community are serious threats and an increasing problem for Solomon Islanders."

He stated that with their combined expertise in law enforcement and cybersecurity, RAPPP, NCPD, and CERT are providing the necessary information and strategies to combat these threats and illegal activities. Police Inspector Steve Sunaone, Director of NCPD, stated that online risks or threats are a serious problem.

Inspector Sunaone said that conducting cybersecurity awareness campaigns in schools is very appropriate because that is where almost every child and adolescent can be found. He pointed out that children and adolescents are the most vulnerable group when it comes to cybersecurity issues such as cyberbullying. He also stated that children and adolescents make up about 70% of the population of the Solomon Islands and are the future leaders of the country, so they must be protected.

Inspector Sunaone stated that cybersecurity awareness is an emerging issue and forms part of their crime prevention strategy. He also stated that the RSIPF’s commitment to cybersecurity is ongoing and that they are actively seeking opportunities to expand the program to other provinces. He added that their department has received positive feedback from the public and schools regarding this cyber awareness.