A Special Report on Cyber Safety and Smart Digital Habits for Kids
Every day, billions of people scroll, post, and click their way through the digital universe.
From online classes and gaming to sharing photos with friends, the internet feels like a second home.
But just like any big city, the digital world also has its dark corners — and learning how to stay safe is the real superpower of this century.
🌐 THE DOUBLE-EDGED SCREEN
In 2025, children and teenagers make up over one-third of all internet users worldwide, according to UNICEF.
That’s amazing — it means young people are more connected, creative, and informed than ever before.
But experts warn of a rising challenge: digital overload. Too much screen time affects sleep, focus, and even mood.
And then there’s the issue of cyberbullying, fake news, and unsafe sharing.
💬 “The internet is powerful — but it remembers everything you post,” says cybersecurity educator Richa Sharma.
“The key is to think before you tap.”
🖼️ Illustration idea: A child holding a glowing phone with both bright icons (books, stars) and dark icons (warnings, locks) around it.
🧠 SMART MINDS, SAFE HEARTS
India’s Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported that online scams targeting children grew by 24 % in 2025 — mostly through fake gaming apps or social-media links.
But the good news? Awareness campaigns in schools are helping.
The “Cyber Suraksha for Students” program launched this year teaches children to identify suspicious messages, report bullying, and protect passwords.
It’s also helping parents understand that online safety isn’t about control — it’s about communication.
💬 “Real safety comes from trust, not fear,” says psychologist Dr Meenal Rane, who works with digital-wellness programs for schools.
“When kids talk openly about what they see online, they stay safer.”
🧭 DIGITAL DO’S AND DON’TS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
✅ DO:
- Keep your passwords private and strong.
- Think twice before sharing pictures or location tags.
- Take breaks — go offline, go outside, breathe!
❌ DON’T:
- Click links from strangers.
- Believe every news headline you see.
- Post when you’re angry — the internet never forgets.
📦 DID YOU KNOW?
- India has over 850 million internet users — the second largest online population in the world.
- A single cybercrime complaint is filed every 10 minutes on India’s national portal.
- Some schools now have “Digital Detox Days” — one full day with no screens allowed!
🧩 WHAT KIDS CAN DO
Being safe online doesn’t mean being afraid. It means being smart, kind, and curious.
Use technology to learn, create, and help — not to compare or compete.
💬 “Your digital footprint is your story — make it one you’re proud of.”
🖼️ Illustration idea: A “digital footprint” trail shaped like stars leading toward an open book.
