In today’s technology-driven world, ensuring the cyber safety of young individuals is of paramount importance. To address this growing concern, YUVA India, in collaboration with Jeevan Dhara, conducted a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme on 10th February 2025 at Jeevan Dhara, Indira Nagar, Cotton Green, Mumbai. The session aimed to equip children with crucial knowledge on online security, ensuring they navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

Programme Highlights

The session was attended by 15 children aged 12 and above, alongside Mr Ritesh, a teacher from Jeevan Dhara. Representing YUVA India were Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar, with Ms Vanita leading the session.

The primary objective of this initiative was to educate children on how to protect themselves from cyber threats such as online fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. In an era where digital interactions have become routine, empowering children with online safety skills is essential.

Understanding Digital Exposure

The session commenced with an interactive discussion to assess the children’s digital habits. Ms Vanita asked engaging questions about their mobile usage, favourite online activities, and their understanding of the internet. This helped create a dialogue that enabled them to think critically about their online presence and habits.

A crucial part of the session involved assessing their awareness of cyber threats. While most children knew about the internet, many were unaware of how cybercriminals operate and the importance of safeguarding their personal information.

Recognising Cyber Threats

To provide a real-world perspective, a short video was shown that depicted modern-day financial scams and how unsuspecting individuals fall prey to them. The video highlighted common cyber fraud tactics and raised awareness on the importance of vigilance.

Following this, Ms Vanita outlined critical cyber safety tips in a simple and engaging manner, ensuring the children could easily grasp and apply them. The key points included:

1. Never Share Personal Information: Children were advised not to disclose their full name, address, school details, or contact number online. They were also cautioned against providing personal details of their parents, such as bank account information or phone numbers.
2. Secure Social Media Accounts: The importance of setting privacy controls on social media platforms was emphasised. Children were encouraged to keep their profiles private to prevent misuse of their photos and personal details.
3. Be Cautious When Sharing Devices or Wi-Fi: The risks of sharing mobile devices or Wi-Fi passwords were discussed. Children were advised to change passwords after sharing devices to prevent unauthorised access.
4. Create Strong Passwords: The importance of strong passwords was stressed, with an emphasis on using a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.
5. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: The dangers of phishing scams were explained, highlighting how cybercriminals use deceptive emails and links to steal information. Children were advised never to click on unknown links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources.
6. Report Suspicious Online Activity: The session underscored the importance of reporting any suspicious behaviour online. Children were encouraged to approach parents, teachers, or authorities if they encountered anything alarming.

Why Cyber Safety Matters for Young Individuals

Children today are immersed in the digital world, frequently using social media, gaming platforms, and online educational tools. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also present risks if not used responsibly.

Key Reasons Why Cyber Awareness is Essential:

• Preventing Cyberbullying: Many children experience online harassment, which can lead to emotional distress. Understanding cyberbullying and its impact helps them navigate such situations effectively.
• Avoiding Financial Fraud: With the increasing use of digital payments, children must learn how to identify and avoid online scams.
• Building a Positive Digital Footprint: Everything posted online leaves a trace. Educating children on responsible digital behaviour ensures they maintain a good online reputation.
• Protecting Mental Well-being: Unregulated screen time and exposure to harmful content can negatively impact mental health. Learning safe online practices promotes a balanced and secure digital experience.

Encouraging a Culture of Safe Digital Habits

As the session concluded, key takeaways were reinforced to ensure children absorbed the most important lessons. They were encouraged to:

• Regularly update their passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information.
• Be cautious when interacting with strangers online and report any unusual activities.
• Think critically before sharing any content on social media.
• Seek guidance from parents, teachers, or trusted adults regarding any cyber-related concerns.

Final Thoughts

The Cyber Safety Awareness Programme at Jeevan Dhara was an important initiative aimed at equipping young individuals with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness from an early age, YUVA India and Jeevan Dhara are taking meaningful steps towards ensuring children use digital platforms responsibly.

As online threats continue to evolve, such educational sessions serve as a vital tool in creating a more secure digital environment for the younger generation. By promoting responsible digital habits, we can empower children to harness the benefits of technology while protecting themselves from cyber risks.