Cyber Awareness School Debate: Uniting 16 Schools for Cybersecurity Education

In celebration of Cybersecurity Month in October 2024, themed “Social Media Misuse,” with a spotlight on cyberbullying and sextortion, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre successfully hosted the Cyber Awareness School Debate, bringing together sixteen schools from across the nation.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education meticulously selected the participating schools, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation. Principals, teachers, and Deputy Directors played pivotal roles in supporting and guiding the students throughout the competition as they were included in every step taken by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre with the view that, collaboration birth a desired result.

Spanning over 16 days, students fervently debated crucial topics such as legal actions against cyberbullies, responsibility on social media, the comparison between traditional and cyber-bullying, privacy in monitoring online activity, and parental accountability for children’s online behaviour. The debate fostered critical thinking and encouraged the youth to engage in meaningful discussions about the complexities of cybersecurity.

The event reached a wider audience with live broadcasts on AYV Television, Sierra Leone’s most widely viewed station. This allowed the public to be a part of the quarterfinals and semi-finals through public voting, adding a layer of community engagement and support.

In the thrilling finale, The International School Limited Secondary and Annie Walsh Memorial School went head-to-head. Annie Walsh Memorial School emerged victorious with a score of 26.6%, earning Le 20,000 and two laptops. The International School Limited Secondary secured second place with a score of 24.6%, taking home Le 10,000 and two tablets.

The Cyber Awareness School Debate highlighted the importance of cybersecurity education and its impact on our youth. It not only elevated the discourse on social media misuse but also empowered students with the knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly.