Cybersafe Awareness and Vigilance Amidst Pandemic

Abstract

       This study investigated cyber safety awareness and vigilance among 68 Grade 6 learners at Cornelia M. De Jesus Memorial Central School, Santa Maria West District Schools Division of Bulacan. The research focuses on determining the level of internet usage (purpose, frequency, and duration) and cyber safety awareness regarding online chatting, online gaming, pornography, and cyberbullying. Participants were selected via snowball sampling, identifying students with internet usage, particularly in internet cafes, based on school anecdotal records of truancy for online activities during class hours. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with case studies conducted through FGDs for the qualitative part. Results indicated that the primary purposes of internet usage were entertainment and education. The frequency of usage was daily for gaming and chatting, and as needed for educational purposes, with durations of 5-6 hours on weekends and 3-4 hours on weekdays. For the descriptive quantitative part ,awareness levels varied: moderate for online gaming, poor for online chatting, and slight for both cyberbullying and online pornography, indicating vulnerability to online predators and potential experiences of cyberbullying without recognition. Resuts revealed  that Grade 6 learners  exhibit significant internet usage, primarily for entertainment and educational purposes. However, their awareness of cyber safety varies, with notable vulnerabilities in online chatting, cyberbullying, and online pornography. The moderate awareness in online gaming suggests some level of understanding, but overall, the learners are at risk due to their limited knowledge and awareness of online threats.