Abstract
The Internet has become deeply embedded in the daily lives of individuals, organisations, and nations. While it has improved communication and access to information, it has also introduced significant risks, particularly for the youth who represent the focus of this study. In South Africa, young people are among the highest users of digital technologies, yet they remain vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, cyberbullying, and online exploitation due to limited cybersecurity awareness initiatives in schools. Unlike businesses that provide cybersecurity training for compliance, government and societal efforts to embed cybersecurity education in the national curriculum remain inadequate.
This study aimed to develop a context-specific conceptual framework for raising cybersecurity awareness among South African youth, with a particular focus on Gauteng province. The framework was informed by an extensive literature review and empirically validated using a quantitative research design guided by Saunders’ Research Onion. Data was collected through a structured survey to assess levels of youth cybersecurity awareness and to examine the influence of key enabling factors such as financial support, government support, and education and continuous training.
The findings confirm a gap in structured cybersecurity education and highlight the importance of sustainable funding, government involvement, and ongoing training to improve youth digital resilience. The proposed framework contributes both theoretically and practically by integrating these critical constructs into an awareness model tailored to the South African context. The research provides insights for policymakers, educators, and practitioners on embedding cybersecurity awareness in school curricula to foster responsible digital citizenship and a more secure online environment for the youth.