Massive Cyber Awareness Drive Reaches Delhi Students
In a significant move to bolster digital literacy among young Indians, Delhi Police successfully organized Cyber Samvad 2.0, an extensive cyber safety awareness program that reached students from over 1,000 schools across the capital. The event, held at police headquarters on Friday, saw both physical and virtual participation from thousands of concerned students and educators.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the directorate of education and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), specifically aimed to address growing cyber threats targeting children and teenagers. Around 250 students and teachers from NDMC schools attended the program in person, while many more joined through online platforms.
Immersive Learning Through Theater and Dance
What set this cyber awareness program apart was its innovative approach to engagement. Instead of traditional lectures, organizers used immersive experiences including nukkad natak (street plays), dance performances, and educational skits to convey crucial messages about online safety.
A 14-year-old girl from an NDMC school shared her transformative experience after watching a gripping performance about deepfake blackmail. "Now I know never to share my personal details with anyone, no matter who they claim to be," she stated, adding that she plans to educate her parents about cybersecurity measures as well.
Participants particularly appreciated the humorous skit that made the serious topic of cyber safety more accessible and engaging. A 14-year-old boy from another NDMC school remarked, "Everything we learned today is very important for people our age."
Comprehensive Coverage of Cyber Threats
Assistant Commissioner of Police (IFSO) Manoj Kumar delivered a detailed presentation covering common digital dangers that young internet users face today. The session educated students about multiple cyber threats including:
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Cyberstalking and digital surveillance
- Cyber grooming by predators
- Online job fraud and financial scams
- Deepfake technology misuse
Students received practical advice on protecting themselves online, with emphasis on enabling two-factor authentication and maintaining constant vigilance while using digital platforms.
Special Focus on Elderly Protection and Emergency Response
The program dedicated significant attention to the rising menace of fake digital arrests, encouraging students to educate their parents and older family members about such sophisticated scams. This intergenerational approach recognizes that elderly family members often become targets of digital fraud.
Officials also highlighted the National Cyber Helpline (1930) as a crucial resource for immediate assistance. During an interactive session, when a student inquired about recovering lost money from scams, police explained the critical concept of the "golden hour" - the first hour after a fraud incident when banks can potentially freeze and return defrauded funds if alerted promptly.
Sohan Pal Singh, a physical education teacher from a Tilak Marg school, confirmed the program's broad impact: "The event was not only informative for the children, but we also learned a lot."
This massive cyber literacy initiative represents Delhi Police's proactive approach to combating digital crimes through prevention and education, empowering the next generation with knowledge to navigate the online world safely.