A major initiative to improve digital safety among children in Bahrain has been launched through a partnership between Scotland’s OSP Cyber Academy and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Bahrain. The program aims to deliver engaging, culturally relevant online safety training to over 70,000 school-aged students across the Kingdom.
The collaboration introduces a series of four interactive, gamified courses designed to educate children aged 6 to 17 on how to safely navigate the digital world. Developed by OSP Cyber Academy, the courses are tailored to local culture and feature custom avatars that guide learners through realistic cyber scenarios, many of which are set against digital environments inspired by Bahrain’s most iconic landmarks.
The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed AlKhalifa, CEO of NCSC Bahrain, as part of the Kingdom’s broader effort to build cyber resilience among future generations.
“Children today spend a significant portion of their lives online—whether it’s for learning, gaming, or social interaction,” said Tommy McCarthy, CEO of OSP Cyber Academy. “It’s crucial they understand how to stay safe, recognize digital threats, and adopt responsible online behaviors. We’ve designed these courses to be fun, relatable, and educational.”
The partnership builds on OSP Cyber Academy’s existing presence in Bahrain. The academy has previously represented the UK at the Arab International Cybersecurity Summit and even set a Guinness World Record in 2023 for hosting the largest virtual cybersecurity lesson, with over 1,500 participants from 44 countries.
McCarthy added, “We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with Bahrain through this important initiative. By empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online, we’re helping to shape a safer digital future.”
This pioneering project reflects a growing recognition across the Gulf of the importance of early digital education. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, both public and private stakeholders are investing in innovative approaches to build long-term awareness and resilience among the next generation of internet users.
