Cyber threats: a study of what middle and high school student know about threatening behaviours and internet safety

This study assessed middle and high school students’ knowledge of potential risks, appropriate use, and their behaviours on the internet and social networking sites, especially regarding behaviours that may lead to cyber bullying or contact with potential internet predators. A total of N = 4,215 middle and high school students were assessed in a northeast state using the 47 items and five dimensions of the ‘Survey of knowledge of internet risk and behaviour’ (SKIRB). The instrument assesses students’ knowledge of internet safety with social media, cyberbullying, and internet predator risks. Descriptive statistics and a t-test were generated. Major findings revealed students do not recognise the risk associated with electronic forms of communication with low appropriate responses for the knowledge dimension. An alarming number of students have admitted to being bullied in school, N = 1,200 students, n = 786 middle school students and n = 414 high school students. Finally, parental involvement overall is low; middle school 33%, high school 17%, with regard to monitoring of internet activities.