Teaching safe and secure usage of ICTs in South African schools

Abstract

This paper posits that the safety and security concerns while interacting with information communication technology (ICT) devices should be considered as a social skill for school learners. Teaching these concerns specifically to information technology learners marginalises the balance of learners, whom are exposed to same risks regardless. We contend that given the widespread usage of ICT devices, it may be necessary for all learners to be aware of the usage risks of ICTs in general on society. Currently the life orientation program offered by primary schools in South Africa intends to equip learners with the skills and values and attitudes for successful living and learning. The aim of this paper is to primarily survey the learning outcomes within the current life orientation programme and to reflect on how these outcomes may be extended include the safe and secure usage of ICT devices.