In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the necessity for cyber safety education has never been more urgent. The DCP of Delhi’s cybercrime unit recently emphasised the importance of integrating cybercrime awareness into school curriculum. His remarks highlight a critical oversight in our education system: while we teach children to be wary of physical dangers, we neglect the equally significant threats lurking in cyberspace. Practically, the digital world has become an integral part of our daily lives, with financial transactions, personal communication, and professional activities increasingly conducted online. This shift has inevitably attracted criminals who exploit the vulnerabilities of an unprepared and unaware populace. There has been a significant rise in cyber crimes over the past year and a half, a trend that is likely to continue. The common man, however, remains startlingly unperturbed by these virtual threats, often more concerned about physical thefts than the silent, pervasive risks of cyber fraud.
One key issue identified is a lack of awareness. Despite the widespread use of digital tools, many people are unfamiliar with basic cyber hygiene practices. This knowledge gap extends to the younger generation as well, who may be adept at using technology but lack the understanding to protect their personal information effectively. Parents also fail to instruct their children on managing personal data or recognising suspicious online behaviour. Schools, too, bear a significant responsibility in this regard. While occasional workshops by cyber experts are beneficial, they are not sufficient. Cyber safety needs to be a continuous, integral part of the education system, embedded in the curriculum from an early age. Incorporating cyber safety into the school syllabus would equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely. It would teach them to recognise potential threats, safeguard their personal information, and understand the implications of their online actions. Moreover, it would foster a culture of digital responsibility and awareness that could significantly reduce the incidence of cyber crimes. Only through comprehensive cyber safety education can we hope to create a digitally secure society.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
