CAREER: Enhancing Privacy Literacy for Elementary School Children via Long-Term Family, School, and Community Partnerships

NSF Award Search · 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $649,965 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

In our increasingly digital world, children are exposed to technology that collects and uses personal data at younger ages than ever before. This makes understanding and protecting personal privacy a crucial life skill. However, teaching young children about privacy is not just about online safety; it's about empowering them to understand their rights, make informed choices, and build healthy relationships with technology. This project focuses on this urgent need and proposes a collaborative approach to privacy education for elementary school children (ages 5 to 10). The project develops a new learning model that builds partnerships among families, schools, and community organizations like libraries and museums. By working together and leveraging the unique strengths of each role, the project will create a supportive network that reinforces privacy concepts, fosters critical thinking about privacy, and helps elementary children navigate the digital landscape with confidence. This collaborative approach will equip our youngest citizens with the essential tools to protect themselves and respect the privacy of others, ensuring a safer digital future for all. The project work is organized around two main thrusts. In the first thrust, inspired by Epstein's Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, the investigator will conduct interviews, focus groups, and co-design sessions with parents, teachers, and community members to identify opportunities and challenges in supporting

Key facts

NSF award ID
2442221
Awardee
Johns Hopkins University (MD)
SAM.gov UEI
FTMTDMBR29C7
PI
Yaxing Yao
Primary program
01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
SaTC: Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace, Human factors for security research, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, CNCI
Estimated total
$649,965
Funds obligated
$363,712
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
07/15/2025 → 06/30/2030