Delhi schools promote digital safety awareness to prevent cybercrimes among students and staff
New Delhi: When 14-year-old Ambika received a message offering her a scholarship if she just clicked a link and shared her Aadhaar details, she almost believed it. It looked official — a logo, a govt-sounding name, and a promise that could change her life.
But her finger paused above the screen. Just a few weeks ago, during morning assembly, her school warned them about this very trick.
In response to a growing wave of cybercrimes targeting students, teachers, and schools, the Directorate of Education (DoE) took a critical step. A recent circular issued by the DoE mandates all Delhi govt schools to spread awareness about digital safety. The guidelines, developed using insights from a comprehensive handbook by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the ministry of home affairs, outline crucial dos and don'ts for online behaviour.
"In view of the increasing number of cybercrimes and online frauds targeting students, school staff, and educational institutions, it is imperative to promote digital safety and responsible online behaviour." a DoE official said.
For Ambika, and thousands like her, this isn't just a list of rules. It's the difference between falling for a scam and dodging a digital bullet. The guidelines encourage strong passwords, using two-factor authentication, updating devices regularly, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial tasks, and never sharing sensitive information like OTPs or PINs.
Students are also advised to download apps only from official stores and back up important data. The guidelines also warn about specific scams, like fake job offers, KYC frauds, and phishing attempts. "We even talked about QR codes. And never scan a code to receive money — that's a big red flag," said a teacher.
The DoE circular doesn't stop at advice. It mandates schools to make this knowledge a part of daily life. To effectively raise awareness about digital safety, schools have been advised to read out the DoE's cyber safety guidelines during the morning assembly.
This daily gathering provides a platform to reach all students and staff simultaneously, reinforcing key messages about responsible online behaviour. "It also helps create a culture of open conversation around cybersecurity, where students feel encouraged to ask questions and report anything suspicious," the teacher added.
Visual reinforcement also plays a crucial role. Schools are directed to prominently display the digital safety advisory on their notice boards.
These boards are visited frequently by students and staff and serve as daily reminders of best practices, such as not sharing OTPs, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, and using official websites and apps.
As per the DoE circular, another key step is organising regular awareness sessions, especially through computer teachers who are best equipped to explain the technical aspects of cyber safety. These sessions can be interactive, covering topics such as creating strong passwords, recognising suspicious links, and protecting personal information on social media.
Through demonstrations and practical tips, students and staff gain hands-on understanding of how to stay safe online.
Schools must also be prepared to respond swiftly to any cyber incidents or suspicious activities. According to the guidelines, in case a student or staff member encounters a potential threat — whether it's a phishing email, a fraudulent scholarship offer, or online bullying — the incident should be immediately reported to the head of school or the concerned district authority.
Prompt escalation ensures that the issue is addressed quickly and appropriately, minimising risk and allowing authorities to take corrective action.
"This is not just about preventing fraud. It's about creating responsible digital citizens. In today's day and age, the internet is their second home, we need to teach them how to lock the doors," said the teacher.
By turning cybersecurity into a shared responsibility, the DoE's initiative is transforming schools from vulnerable targets into safe zones. "It's about empowering students with knowledge and vigilance. Cyber safety is no longer optional, it's essential." added the official.
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