Director of the Innovation Institute of WA Paul Litwin says parents often have no idea what their children are doing online.
"Since the internet isn't a physical location, it seems safe," Mr Litwick told the Mail. "But there are websites accessible that parents don't even know about. It's important that children and parents are aware of the ecosystem that is cyber security."
The Innovation Institute will be running a free nine-week 'Cyber Saturdays' program in Mandurah for 12-18-year-olds that will focus on cyber security both as a field of study/work and an informative lesson on staying safe online.
"Our week one session includes the students' parents," Mr Litwin said. "Parents are key stakeholders in their children's future and we want to make sure everyone is on the same page and learning together."
Mr Litwin explained that cyber security was not only an imperative area of learning for young people, but a booming industry with an array of career possibilities.
"We will talk about what a career in cyber security could look like - and about the possibility of pursuing further studies in the field.
"Often companies actually go in to Uuniversities and approach students while they're studying with job offers - the demand is so great."
Over the weeks, Cyber Saturdays will see various industry professionals come in to provide students with inside knowledge of working in the field of cyber security - and what to look out for.
"The main project of the course will require students to make a video promoting cyber security to their peers. They can use any angle they like - it is so important that education doesn't just happen adult to students, but also peer-to-peer."
Cyber Saturdays will begin May 1 and conclude June 26.
"The City of Mandurah is prioritising introducing future industries in Mandurah - it is important that young people in Mandurah have access to information and have the ability to learn in this field," Mr Litwin said.
The City of Mandurah is sponsoring the Cyber Saturdays course.
To enrol in the free course, students must register by April 12, by emailing info@innovationinstitute.com.au
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
