Delhi Schools step up cyber safety awareness amid rising scams

When 14-year-old Ambika received a message promising her a scholarship in exchange for clicking a link and sharing her Aadhaar details, she was tempted to believe it. The message looked convincing — complete with an official-looking logo, a government-style name, and the kind of promise that could transform her future. But she hesitated. Just weeks earlier, her school had cautioned students during morning assembly about such scams.

Amid a surge in cybercrimes targeting students, educators, and institutions, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has taken a proactive step. A new circular from the DoE now requires all Delhi government schools to raise awareness about digital safety. These guidelines, informed by a detailed handbook from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs, lay out essential online safety practices — what to do and what to avoid.

"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 are also expected to act promptly in the event of any cyber threats or suspicious online activity. The guidelines advise that if a student or staff member comes across a potential danger—such as a phishing scam, a fake scholarship message, or instances of cyberbullying—it should be reported without delay to the school principal or relevant district officials. Quick reporting and escalation help ensure timely and effective intervention, reducing risk and enabling the authorities to take necessary corrective measures.

"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.

(With TOI inputs)