In a world where smartphones are ubiquitous, cybersecurity education is no longer a luxury—it's a critical life skill. Romeo Gardner, a cybersecurity expert who has worked at the White House, reveals the alarming truth: We are sending children into the digital realm with virtually no training on how to protect themselves. From phishing scams to oversharing, the lack of cyber literacy is a growing crisis, exposing children to a level of risk we would never allow in the physical world. This talk makes a compelling case for why digital self-defense should be taught in schools and treated just as seriously as physical safety. Romeo Gardner III is the President and CEO of Nehlos, a cybersecurity firm focused on enabling government agencies and contractors to achieve RMF and CMMC compliance. His foundational experience in national security began at the White House Communication Agency (WHCA), providing critical secure communication support to Presidents Bush and Obama. Transitioning to Microsoft, he made a substantial impact as an Engineer, Program Manager, and Learning and Education Manager, driving advancements in security and talent development. Gardner's leadership at Nehlos is fueled by a mission to equip the defense industrial base with the necessary expertise to navigate evolving cyber threats. Additionally, he serves as an Instructor at the University of Mary Washington, passionately contributing to cybersecurity education and workforce upskilling. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx