Why High School Students Should Learn About Cybersecurity

Building Cybersecurity Awareness in Schools

A day does not go by without using our phones, computers, and other electronic devices. This is also true for the youth, who spend more time on their phones and computers than adults. This increases their vulnerability to cyber threats but also presents an opportunity. By teaching students online safety and how to conduct themselves responsibly, we can also introduce them to cybersecurity as a viable career pathway.

Importance of Cybersecurity for High School Students

Cyber attacks happen every 39 seconds worldwide, costing $18 million daily. 87% of people leave personal information exposed online, and almost one third of Americans have been a victim of identity theft. On top of this, almost half of U.S. teens report being bullied online. This makes cybersecurity education critical for high school students.

It is crucial that anyone who is online learn how to remain safe, and how to be a digital citizen, starting with students. Students should be able to:  

• Understand essential online safety practices

• Understand the importance of a positive digital footprint and how their online actions can have long-term consequences

• Identify various forms of cyberattacks

• Learn how to manage passwords securely

• Identify different types of malware and attacks and use best practices to prevent breaches

• Identify the risks of connecting to public Wi-Fi

• Understand the difference between misinformation and disinformation

• Understand the vulnerabilities of mobile devices

• Identify dangerous websites

• Identify the risks associated with USB devices

• Learn about digital footprints and tracking

By starting with these skills, students can stay safe online while exploring future career possibilities in cybersecurity. These lessons will serve them well as they navigate the online world and explore opportunities in cybersecurity and beyond.

Cybersecurity Is A High Need Career Path for High School Students

The need for cybersecurity professionals is also highlighted in many studies. The 2018 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found a global shortage of 3 million cybersecurity professionals. 

As of now, 2025, there are 457,398 cybersecurity job openings in the US alone. 

67% of the organizations in the study reported a lack of cybersecurity staff leaving them vulnerable to threats. While so many organizations are at risk of a shortage of professionals, half of the current pool of cybersecurity professionals is made out of Gen X and baby boomer workers. This means that there are many entry-level positions for the youth.

Cybersecurity careers are also among the fastest-growing. US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in employment for cybersecurity jobs from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the most secure industries.

Cybersecurity talent gaps exist across the country. And this presents a big opportunity for high school students. Cybersecurity feeder roles include networking, software development, systems engineering, risk analysis, and IT support. These foundational roles can lead to specializations like cybersecurity engineering, cybercrime analysis, penetration testing, and more.

Cybersecurity Pathway for High School

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields, with organizations across every industry looking for professionals who can protect systems, networks, and data.

Gameplan's Cybersecurity Pathway helps students build technical skills through hands-on learning while preparing for careers in IT, networking, and cybersecurity. The pathway aligns with Digital Technology and Information Technology CTE programs and prepares students for industry-recognized certifications, including ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+.

Students explore topics like network security, cyber threats, digital protection, and cyber defense while developing skills that translate directly to future education and workforce opportunities.

Free Webinar: Learn More About Cybersecurity for High School Level

Want to dive deeper into why cybersecurity matters for students? Watch our free webinar below. Let us guide you through the course structure, key outcomes, and the features that make this curriculum stand out.

Schedule a short meeting today and equip your students with the skills they need to stay safe online and prepare for a career in a high-demand industry.