‘Computer-savvy’ Dutch children can teach parents about cybercrime

A local council in The Netherlands has come up with a game through which children can learn about cybercrime and then pass on their knowledge to parents and carers.

This novel scheme, in the small southern municipality of Krimpenerwaard, has been devised following a survey in which fears were voiced by people about the proliferation of online fraud, reports DutchNews.nl.

Mayor Bart Cazemier is reported as saying that children were often more ‘computer savvy’ than their parents and therefore able to learn faster. “It’s very difficult for us as a local authority, which is why we’re pleased that we can get children involved through this game. There’s been a huge amount of interest,” he is quoted as telling local broadcaster Omroep West. “We hope they can make their parents and grandparents more streetwise,” he added.

All children in the last four years of primary school are said to have received a letter from the mayor and police inviting them to play the game, in which they answer questions and perform tasks in the role of a ‘cyber cop’.