In the digital age, where technology is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, ensuring cyber safety has become more crucial than ever. The internet, while offering immense opportunities, also brings numerous threats, particularly for young individuals. To address these concerns, YUVA India conducted an enlightening session on Cyber Safety in collaboration with Auxilium Skills Academy on 7th February 2025.

The session took place at Auxilium School Campus, Mazzarello Youth Centre, Balaram Babu Marg, Wadala (W), Mumbai and was attended by 17 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 graced the event with their presence, offering valuable insights and guidance on how young individuals can safeguard themselves in the digital space.

Creating a Safe and Engaging Learning Space

The session commenced with an introduction to YUVA India, led by Ms Vanita Salunke. She highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities through knowledge-sharing and awareness campaigns. To set a positive and interactive tone, she conducted an energiser game with the students, encouraging them to participate actively. This activity helped create a safe space where students felt comfortable discussing their concerns about online safety.

Following this, Ms Vanita emphasised the importance of online security and the potential risks that children and young adults face in the digital world. She explained how social media, while being a powerful tool for communication, also exposes users to various cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, cyberbullying, and identity theft. She encouraged the students to be mindful of their digital footprint and to adopt secure online practices.

Raising Awareness Through Real-World Scenarios

To make the topic more relatable, the participants were shown an informative video that illustrated real-life cases of cybercrime and ways to prevent them. The video covered topics such as:

• Phishing Scams: How fraudulent emails and messages trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Hacking and Data Breaches: The dangers of weak passwords and unsecured accounts.
• Cyberbullying: The impact of online harassment and ways to report abusive behaviour.
• Identity Theft: How personal information can be misused and how to prevent it.

The video led to an engaging discussion, with students sharing their thoughts and asking questions about how to stay safe online. Some participants even shared their personal experiences of encountering cyber threats, making the session highly relevant and impactful.

Empowering Students with Practical Cyber Safety Measures

The session provided students with essential cyber safety tips to help them navigate the digital world responsibly. Key takeaways included:

1. Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

A strong password is the first line of defence against cyber threats. Students were advised to:

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using predictable passwords such as birthdays or names.
• Change passwords periodically and use unique passwords for different accounts.

2. Managing Privacy Settings on Social Media

Students were encouraged to:

• Keep their profiles private and limit access to their posts.
• Avoid sharing personal details such as addresses, phone numbers, and daily routines.
• Be cautious about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.

3. Recognising and Avoiding Suspicious Links

With the rise of online scams, students learned to:

• Verify sources before clicking on links in emails and messages.
• Check for HTTPS in URLs to ensure a website is secure.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

4. Understanding and Reporting Cyberbullying

The students were made aware of the emotional impact of cyberbullying and encouraged to:

• Report abusive behaviour to trusted authorities or social media platforms.
• Avoid engaging with bullies and instead seek support from parents, teachers, or counsellors.
• Offer support to friends or peers who may be facing online harassment.

5. Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Risks

Public Wi-Fi networks can be exploited by hackers to steal personal information. To stay safe, students were advised to:

• Avoid using public networks for banking or sharing sensitive information.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.

6. Keeping Devices Updated and Data Backed Up

To protect against malware and data loss, students were encouraged to:

• Regularly update their operating systems and applications.
• Enable automatic updates on their devices.
• Back up important files to secure cloud storage or external drives.

Encouraging Active Participation and Open Discussions

The highlight of the session was the enthusiastic participation of the students. Many of them shared their views on cyber safety, asked insightful questions, and even expressed their concerns about online security. The facilitators ensured that the session remained a safe space where students felt comfortable discussing sensitive issues.

To reinforce learning, students engaged in role-playing activities, where they enacted real-world cyber threat scenarios and devised solutions based on the insights shared during the session. This hands-on approach helped them internalise key concepts and develop problem-solving skills.

Making an Impact: A Step Towards Safer Digital Practices

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where Ms Vanita Salunke addressed specific concerns and provided practical advice on handling cyber threats. The students left the session with a heightened awareness of cyber safety and the confidence to make informed decisions online.

The event was a remarkable success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of YUVA India and Auxilium Skills Academy. Beyond raising awareness, this session empowered young individuals to be vigilant, proactive, and responsible in the digital space.

As the internet continues to evolve, so do the challenges associated with online safety. YUVA India remains committed to continuing its mission of educating and empowering young minds to navigate the digital world safely.

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