On 19th February 2025, YUVA India, in collaboration with SUPPORT NGO, conducted a crucial cyber security awareness session for the young girls residing at the SUPPORT shelter home in Santacruz. The shelter home, functioning under Women and Child Welfare, provides a safe space for girls below the age of 18 who are undergoing rehabilitation for substance abuse. These girls receive treatment and counselling under close observation, striving to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
The session was led by Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar from YUVA India. While Ms Shweta Rane, the Probation Officer of the centre, was unable to attend, the center in-charge was present to support and oversee the session.
An Emotional and Essential Conversation
Ms Vanita initiated the session with a warm introduction, encouraging the girls to introduce themselves. Creating a comfortable and open atmosphere, she engaged them in a basic discussion about their mobile phone usage, asking what they liked to watch and how they interacted with technology. The conversation soon led to a fundamental question: “Do you know about the Internet?” The girls responded positively, indicating their awareness of the digital world.
Recognising their familiarity with the Internet, the facilitators sought to deepen their understanding by highlighting the hidden risks and challenges that come with online interactions.
A Reality Check: The Threats in the Digital World
To emphasise the growing dangers in cyberspace, the social workers presented a short video showcasing real-life cases of online financial scams. The video demonstrated how innocent individuals fall victim to fraudulent schemes, losing their hard-earned money. The girls watched attentively, visibly affected by the consequences portrayed.
Following the video, the facilitators engaged the girls in a discussion, asking how they felt about such scams and whether they had ever encountered suspicious online activities. Their responses revealed that while they were aware of the risks, they lacked comprehensive knowledge of how to protect themselves.
Key Cyber Security Tips for Personal Protection
The session then focused on providing essential cyber security tips that could safeguard the girls from online threats. The social workers emphasised four fundamental safety measures:
- Never Share Personal Information:
- Avoid sharing personal details such as home addresses, phone numbers, or bank details with strangers online.
- If anyone asks for information about their parents, including financial details or contact numbers, they should refrain from sharing it and inform a trusted adult immediately.
- Secure Social Media Profiles:
- When posting photos or sharing personal content on social media, ensure profiles are locked and set to private to prevent unauthorised access and misuse.
- Be mindful of friend requests from unknown people, as online predators often use fake identities.
- Wi-Fi and Phone Sharing Precautions:
- If sharing a phone or Wi-Fi with someone, always change the password afterwards to maintain security.
- Avoid logging into personal accounts on shared or public devices to prevent unauthorised access.
- Creating Strong Passwords:
- Passwords should include a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make them difficult to crack.
- Never use easy-to-guess passwords like birthdates or simple words; instead, create complex and unique passcodes for different accounts.
The Emotional Impact and a Call to Action
The session was deeply moving, as the girls absorbed the importance of protecting themselves online. Many of them had already faced vulnerabilities in their past and were determined not to become victims of digital exploitation. Their engagement and eagerness to learn demonstrated their resilience and desire to rebuild their lives with confidence.
The facilitators reinforced that cyber security is not just about protecting devices but also about safeguarding their personal dignity and safety. They reminded the girls that online predators, scammers, and cyberbullies often target vulnerable individuals, making awareness and precautionary measures crucial.
A Unified Commitment to Safety and Empowerment
The collaboration between YUVA India and SUPPORT NGO underscores the importance of collective efforts in creating a safer digital environment for at-risk individuals. By providing these young girls with essential knowledge and tools, the session played a significant role in fostering their independence and confidence in navigating the online world safely.
This initiative is not just a one-time event but a stepping stone towards broader awareness and digital literacy. As society, we hold the responsibility to educate and protect those who are most vulnerable. Cyber security is not merely a technical subject—it is a personal safety issue that affects lives, especially those of young girls seeking a fresh start.
A Message to the Community
This session was a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world, but more importantly, it was a testament to the power of education and awareness in combating cyber threats. We encourage organisations, educators, and communities to initiate similar conversations, ensuring that young individuals—particularly those in rehabilitation and vulnerable situations—are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves.
As we continue our efforts in raising awareness, let us stand together in safeguarding the digital and personal security of all individuals, empowering them with the right tools to navigate their future with confidence and safety.
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