Cyber Crime Awareness Among Prospective Teachers

This study investigates cybercrime awareness among 200 prospective teachers (B.Ed. trainees) in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, using a descriptive survey method with the Cyber Crime Awareness Scale developed by Dr. S. Rajasekar. The analysis reveals a high level of awareness, with a mean score of 142.75 (79.31%) and a standard deviation of 12.85, attributed to frequent engagement with digital platforms in educational and personal contexts. Significant differences were found based on residence, with urban teachers showing higher awareness (mean = 149.20) than rural ones (mean = 141.80, t = 3.12, p < 0.05), likely due to better access to technology and digital literacy programs. No significant differences were observed across gender (t = 0.15), academic methodology (t = 0.38), or browsing type (t = 0.09), indicating effective standardized cybersecurity education in teacher training. These findings align with prior research emphasizing the role of digital exposure in fostering awareness. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions in rural areas and sustained cybersecurity curricula to empower future educators to promote digital safety among students, contributing to a proactive cybersecurity culture in schools.