T.N. School Education department introduces Agal Vilakku scheme to teach safe internet practices for girl students
In this regard, the department has launched awareness booklets. Under the initiative, committees of teachers and students will identify problems faced by girl students and suggest solutions. 'Sessions will also be conducted by teachers trained in career guidance through the District Institute of Education and Training, and these teachers will also be given additional training to raise awareness of safe internet use. Counselling to students will also be provided,' said an official from the School Education Department.
Earlier this year, the scheme was announced by the School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in the Legislative Assembly as part of the Demand for Grants under the department.
The 30-page booklet outlines 10 rules for students to follow for safe internet use. These include blocking people who continue to harass, reporting cyberbullying, filing a complaint about cybercrimes, limiting daily mobile and internet usage, and changing settings to prohibit screenshots, among others.
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T.N. School Education department introduces Agal Vilakku scheme to teach safe internet practices for girl students
In an effort to ensure the safety of girl children in the online world, the Tamil Nadu school education department has introduced the Agal Vilakku scheme for girl students of Classes 9-12. The scheme aims to empower the students with tools to protect them from mental, physical, and social challenges, with a strong focus on cyber safety. In this regard, the department has launched awareness booklets. Under the initiative, committees of teachers and students will identify problems faced by girl students and suggest solutions. 'Sessions will also be conducted by teachers trained in career guidance through the District Institute of Education and Training, and these teachers will also be given additional training to raise awareness of safe internet use. Counselling to students will also be provided,' said an official from the School Education Department. Earlier this year, the scheme was announced by the School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in the Legislative Assembly as part of the Demand for Grants under the department. The 30-page booklet outlines 10 rules for students to follow for safe internet use. These include blocking people who continue to harass, reporting cyberbullying, filing a complaint about cybercrimes, limiting daily mobile and internet usage, and changing settings to prohibit screenshots, among others.
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Tamil Nadu Government Issues Digital Safety Rulebook For Girl Students
In a move to strengthen online safety among school-going girls, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released a comprehensive guide titled "Agal Vilakku" or "Guiding Light" — a digital safety booklet that educates students on cyber threats and safe internet use. Aimed at creating awareness in an age where social media and instant messaging dominate communication, the guide explains various forms of cybercrime including cyberbullying, grooming, stalking, picture morphing, and mobile phone addiction. It offers real-life examples to help students identify red flags and take preventive action. The booklet also warns that even seemingly harmless online interactions can lead to serious consequences if personal information is shared carelessly. It outlines ten golden rules for safe internet use — such as never sharing personal details online, using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting abuse without fear. Students are urged to inform parents or teachers immediately if they face online harassment, and to block and report offenders. The guide stresses that complaints about cybercrime can be filed anytime at or by calling 1930. One section draws attention to the growing problem of mobile phone addiction, narrating the story of a bright student whose health and academic performance deteriorated due to excessive use of social media at night. The department urges students to set strict boundaries on screen time and prioritise rest. Coming amid rising online bullying, stalking and sexual abuse, the School Education Department underlines that internet contains both opportunities and dangers. The message is clear — with responsibility, awareness and caution, the digital world can be a safe and empowering space for students.
