Cybersecurity Awareness: Italian Army's Initiative at I.C. Massaia School

"Cybersecurity Awareness": The I.C. Massaia has hosted the Italian Army at the school in via De Lauzieres, as part of the military's initiative to counter the phenomenon of cyberbullying and more generally to make adolescents aware of the risks associated with improper use of the internet and social networks. The event opened with the entrance of the Fanfare of the 8th Bersaglieri Regiment of the Garibaldi Brigade from Caserta, which played the national anthem during the flag-raising, kicking off a day of information sharing and engagement with the students. In attendance, besides Mayor Giorgio Zinno, the president of the Municipal Council Michele Carbone, and the school councilor Giuseppe Giordano, were Deputy Chief of Police Donatella Grassi, Carabinieri Lieutenant Francesco di Maio, and Lieutenant Antonio di Candio. The Italian Army, on the other hand, was represented by Major Cartesio, delegated by Gen. Claudio Minghetti, commander of the Southern Operational Forces Command. After the flag-raising and the engaging performance by the Fanfare, which involved all the more than 500 students of the middle school, the meeting took place in the classrooms with army experts, introduced by Dr. Giancarla Minervini. From the meeting, it emerged that cybersecurity is a broad and absolutely important topic, which concerns not only adolescents but also adults. However, it is necessary to start with the youngest to teach them not to make mistakes that can seriously harm themselves and others. "Thanks to this awareness campaign by the Italian Army and thanks to school administrators like Vincenzo De Rosa - said Giorgio Zinno - the school audience can have the necessary skills to identify and deal with threats associated with the use of digital technologies, also improving the ability to safely manage their own data. It is through these virtuous synergies that knowledge is generated and a culture of respect is created, also countering social discomfort and school dropout."