In a bid to protect young internet users from the growing threat of cybercrime, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed affiliated schools to establish Cyber Clubs and strengthen cyber awareness initiatives among students. The move is inspired by the principle of educating children at an early age and comes amid increasing engagement of teenagers with digital platforms and social media.
The initiative has been launched following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has expressed concern over the rising number of cybercrimes targeting children, including online grooming, cyberbullying, identity theft, financial fraud and online harassment.
Recognising that students are among the most active users of digital technology and are often vulnerable to online risks, CBSE has asked schools to integrate cyber safety education into their curriculum. The objective is to equip children with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
According to the guidelines, schools are required to form dedicated Cyber Clubs that will conduct structured awareness programmes throughout the academic year. These clubs will organise activities such as speeches, quizzes, debates, poster-making competitions, pledge drives and awareness sessions focused on cyber safety and responsible online behaviour.
Schools have also been instructed to observe the first Wednesday of every month as “Cyber Jagrukta Diwas” (Cyber Awareness Day). Cyber safety themes are expected to be incorporated into annual school events, parent-teacher meetings and special outreach campaigns to maximise awareness among students and families.
To support the initiative, schools have been directed to widely disseminate cyber safety advisories and awareness material developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This includes posters, videos, booklets and multilingual Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material that can be shared through school websites, social media platforms, digital notice boards, newsletters, mobile applications and other communication channels.
CBSE has emphasised that schools play a crucial role in promoting cyber awareness and fostering responsible digital citizenship. As part of the campaign, students, teachers and parents are also being encouraged to complete the Cyber Hygiene Certificate Course developed by I4C. The online course, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours, focuses on cyber hygiene practices and safe internet usage.
Additionally, schools have been asked to circulate a Cyber Safety Pledge among students for endorsement by parents and submission to the school. The pledge aims to promote safe online practices, responsible use of social media and adherence to cyber hygiene principles.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also developed a cyber safety-themed comic book for children, which schools can download and distribute to students as part of awareness-building efforts.
Through these measures, CBSE aims to create a cyber-aware generation capable of identifying online threats and protecting themselves from the growing menace of cybercrime.
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