With increasing digital reliance in today’s world, ensuring cyber safety is more critical than ever. While the internet provides vast opportunities for learning, communication, and growth, it also exposes individuals, especially young people, to various online threats. Addressing these concerns, YUVA India, in collaboration with Auxilium Skills Academy, Mazgaon Branch, conducted a comprehensive Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 21st February 2025.

This session was held at St. Anne’s Parochial School, Building No. 4, B.I.T. Chawl, Tadwadi, Opposite Mazgaon Court, Mazgaon, Mumbai, and attended by 20 young participants aged 18 and above, along with two staff members from Auxilium Skills Academy. Representing YUVA India, Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar led the session, guiding participants on crucial aspects of online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

Creating an Interactive and Engaging Learning Experience

The session commenced with an introduction to Viara Foundation, delivered by Ms Vanita Salunke. She highlighted the foundation’s dedication to addressing social concerns, including cyber safety and digital awareness. To foster engagement, she conducted an energiser game, encouraging students to participate and interact. This activity not only created a lively atmosphere but also helped students become comfortable discussing sensitive online safety topics.

Ms Vanita then stressed the importance of personal safety online, especially in today’s digital landscape where young individuals are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. She explained how social media platforms, despite their advantages, come with risks such as hacking, phishing, cyberbullying, and identity theft. The discussion set the stage for deeper insights into cyber threats and their prevention.

Understanding Cyber Threats and Preventive Measures

To provide a more comprehensive understanding, participants watched an informative video that illustrated real-world cyber threats and how they could be prevented. The video highlighted key online safety concerns, including:

• Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information through deceptive emails and messages.
• Hacking and Data Breaches: The consequences of weak passwords and unsecured online accounts.
• Cyberbullying: The emotional and psychological impact of online harassment and how to report it.
• Identity Theft: How cybercriminals misuse personal information and ways to safeguard against it.

Following the video, an interactive discussion was held where students actively shared their thoughts, concerns, and personal experiences regarding online threats. This dialogue reinforced the importance of vigilance and awareness in navigating the digital space safely.

Essential Cyber Safety Practices for Young Individuals

Participants were introduced to key cyber safety practices, including:

1. Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

The foundation of online security lies in using strong passwords. The students were advised to:

• Create passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid common passwords such as birthdays, names, or predictable sequences.
• Regularly update passwords and use different ones for separate accounts.

2. Managing Privacy Settings on Social Media

To enhance online safety, students were encouraged to:

• Keep their social media profiles private to control who can access their information.
• Avoid oversharing personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, or daily routines.
• Be cautious when accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.

3. Identifying and Avoiding Suspicious Links

With online scams on the rise, students were advised to:

• Verify sources before clicking on links received via email or messages.
• Check for HTTPS in website URLs to ensure security.
• Avoid responding to messages promising unrealistic rewards or prizes.

4. Recognising and Reporting Cyberbullying

Students were made aware of the impact of cyberbullying and how to handle it responsibly:

• Report any form of online harassment to trusted authorities or platforms.
• Avoid engaging with bullies and seek support from parents, teachers, or mentors.
• Support peers who might be facing online bullying by standing against harmful behaviour.

5. Avoiding Risks on Public Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are often exploited by hackers. To stay safe, students were encouraged to:

• Refrain from using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions such as online banking.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced online security.

6. Regular Software Updates and Data Backup

To prevent cyber threats, students were reminded to:

• Keep their devices, applications, and operating systems updated.
• Enable automatic software updates to receive the latest security patches.
• Regularly back up important data to secure cloud storage or external drives.

Encouraging Active Participation and Critical Thinking

A key highlight of the session was the active participation of students, who enthusiastically engaged in discussions and activities. The facilitators encouraged them to think critically about their online behaviour, digital footprints, and consequences of unsafe internet practices.

Students also took part in role-playing activities, where they enacted different cyber threat scenarios and worked together to develop practical solutions. This interactive approach helped them apply the lessons learned and strengthened their understanding of digital security.

Impact and Takeaways from the Session

The session concluded with a Q&A round, where Mr Vijay Powar addressed students’ queries, providing them with practical solutions and safety tips. By the end of the session, participants had gained a clear understanding of cyber threats and effective strategies to stay protected.

This initiative, led by YUVA India and Auxilium Skills Academy, successfully imparted valuable knowledge on cyber safety, empowering young individuals to become responsible digital citizens. The event was more than just an awareness session—it was a step towards fostering a cyber-aware and digitally responsible generation.

As the digital world continues to evolve, educating young minds about cyber safety remains crucial. YUVA India remains committed to conducting such informative sessions in the future, ensuring that young individuals have the tools and awareness necessary to protect themselves online.

Let’s work together to build a cyber-smart generation! Stay informed, stay safe, and safeguard your digital presence.