As the digital world expands, young individuals face both opportunities and challenges in navigating the internet. Recognising the importance of digital safety, YUVA India partnered with SUPPORT NGO to conduct a Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 15th February 2025 at Manthan Plaza, 3rd Floor, Vakola Market, Nehru Road, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. This session was designed to empower children with crucial knowledge and strategies to stay safe online, particularly for those from vulnerable backgrounds who may be more susceptible to cyber risks.

A Vital Learning Experience

The session welcomed 25 children from a mixed age group, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds, including street children, those struggling with addiction, and those who have run away from home. The presence of Mr Santosh, a Probation Officer for the boys’ group, along with one attendant and five supporting staff members, ensured a supportive and structured learning environment.

Representing YUVA India were Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar, with Ms Vanita leading the session. The goal was to equip children aged 13 to 18 with knowledge of cyber threats and ways to protect themselves in the digital space.

Understanding the Children’s Digital Habits

The session commenced with an interactive discussion, where Ms Vanita asked the children about their mobile usage and the kind of content they consumed. Many were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences, with responses ranging from watching videos and playing games to using social media platforms.

Building on this, Ms Vanita inquired whether they were aware of the internet and its functions. While most had a basic understanding, they lacked awareness of potential cyber risks, such as scams, identity theft, and data misuse.

Identifying Cyber Threats

To provide a real-world perspective, a short and engaging video was shown, demonstrating how cybercriminals manipulate users into financial scams. The video illustrated various methods scammers use to steal sensitive information and reinforced the importance of vigilance online.

Following the video, a discussion took place where Ms Vanita explained fundamental cybersecurity measures in an easy-to-understand manner. Key points covered included:

1. Never Share Personal Information: Children were advised to never share personal details, such as their name, address, school name, or phone number, with strangers online. They were also cautioned against providing their parents’ information, such as bank account details or contact numbers.
2. Enhance Social Media Privacy: The importance of privacy settings on social media was highlighted, encouraging children to lock their profiles and limit access to their posts to prevent misuse.
3. Be Cautious When Sharing Devices and Wi-Fi: The risks of sharing mobile phones or Wi-Fi passwords with others were discussed. The children were advised to change their passwords after sharing their devices to maintain security.
4. Use Strong Passwords: The session emphasised creating strong passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This practice helps prevent hacking attempts and ensures personal data remains secure.
5. Avoid Clicking on Unverified Links: Children were educated on phishing scams, where fraudsters use fake messages or emails to steal information. They were advised to always verify the source before clicking on any links.
6. Report Suspicious Online Behaviour: Encouraging open communication, children were urged to report any suspicious online activity to a trusted adult, teacher, or authority figure.

Why Cyber Awareness is Essential for Vulnerable Youth

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face additional risks online. Without proper guidance, they can fall prey to cyber exploitation, financial fraud, or even human trafficking facilitated through digital platforms. Teaching these children about online safety empowers them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from cyber threats.

Key Reasons Why Cyber Awareness is Crucial:

• Preventing Cyberbullying: Many young users face harassment online, which can impact their emotional well-being. Understanding how to identify and report cyberbullying is essential for self-protection.
• Avoiding Financial Scams: As digital transactions become more common, it is vital to educate children about the dangers of online fraud and the importance of safeguarding financial information.
• Maintaining a Positive Digital Presence: What is shared online can have long-term consequences. Encouraging responsible online behaviour helps ensure that children maintain a good digital reputation.
• Protecting Mental Well-being: Excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content can negatively affect children’s mental health. Teaching them responsible digital habits promotes a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Encouraging Responsible Online Behaviour

The session concluded with a recap of key takeaways and an open discussion, allowing children to share their concerns and ask questions. The children were encouraged to:

• Regularly update their passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal details.
• Avoid engaging with unknown individuals online and refrain from oversharing personal details.
• Seek guidance from parents, teachers, or guardians if they experience any cyber threats or suspicious activities.

Conclusion

The Cyber Safety Awareness Session at SUPPORT NGO was a crucial initiative aimed at preparing young individuals to navigate the digital world with caution and confidence. By making the session interactive and engaging, YUVA India and SUPPORT NGO successfully empowered children with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves online.

As digital threats continue to evolve, educational workshops like this serve as vital tools in ensuring that vulnerable youth are equipped with the awareness necessary to stay safe in an increasingly connected world. By fostering responsible digital habits, we can help children embrace the benefits of technology while mitigating online risks.