A set of measures to combat cybercrime is being implemented in Belarus

From May 23 to June 1, 2023, in order to counteract cybercrime, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus is holding a preventive campaign «Decade of Cybersecurity «Cyberchildren». The action includes holding events to improve the digital literacy of children and youth, informing them about ways to protect themselves from cyberbullying, grooming, sexting and safe behavior on the Internet.

One of such events was the forum «I’m in cybersecurity!», organized by JSC «ASB Belarusbank». In total, more than 100 children aged 8 to 17, as well as their parents, took part in the forum. As part of the forum, children learned how to most effectively secure themselves on the Web, why the digital footprint is very important in the modern world, what cyber threats a modern child may face, how to effectively ensure their safety on the Internet, where to turn for help, about the profession of a cybersecurity specialist and others. According to surveys, today, 40% of children communicated on the Internet with strangers. More than 30% have experienced bullying or bullying online, of which 9% are students in grades 5-7. 18% of students in grades 8-11 were subjected to violence by people they know through the Internet.

The development of digital literacy and raising awareness of children and youth in cybersecurity issues makes an important contribution to the achievement by the Republic of Belarus of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 9 and other SDGs.

The scientific and methodological institution «National Institute of Education» of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus has developed specialized video materials aimed at combating cybercrime.