Knowledge Regarding Cyber Safety among Nursing Students, Amritsar: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

A bstract Introduction: The growth of cybercrime, particularly among young adults, necessitates the promotion of digital citizenship to educate students about responsible online behavior and to equip them with the skills to mitigate cyber risks. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at a nursing institution, involving 150 students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a socio-demographic profile, mobile phone usage patterns questionnaire, and pre-designed knowledge questionnaire on cyber safety. Scores ranged from 0 to 30, with knowledge levels categorized as good (24–30), average (15–23), and below average (≤14). Results: Among 150 participants, 66.7% had below-average knowledge of cyber safety, 21.3% had average knowledge, and 12.0% demonstrated good knowledge, with a mean score of 14.09 ± 5.25. Significant associations were found with the professional course ( P = 0.001), father’s education ( P = 0.047), and mother’s education ( P = 0.038). Post-basic B.Sc. Nursing students exhibited better knowledge than general nursing and midwifery and B.Sc. Nursing students. No significant associations were observed for variables like age, family income, or internet usage habits. Internet and social media practices did not directly influence knowledge levels. Conclusion: The study emphasized the importance of improving cyber safety education among nursing students to bridge knowledge gaps. Integrating comprehensive digital safety training into nursing curricula is crucial for fostering responsible online behavior and mitigating cyber risks in health care.