New Delhi: Safer Internet Day events held across India this year have placed a strong focus on student digital safety, highlighting practical steps schools, parents, and policymakers can take to protect young users online. The discussions reflected growing concern over cyber risks faced by students, including online harassment, data privacy issues, misinformation, and excessive screen use.
Observed annually in February, Safer Internet Day brings together educators, technology experts, child rights groups, and government agencies to promote responsible and secure use of digital platforms. This year’s programmes in schools and colleges stressed that digital safety is no longer optional, as online learning and social media have become part of everyday student life.
Building awareness from an early age
One key takeaway from the events was the need to introduce digital safety education early. Speakers at school workshops noted that many students begin using smartphones and social media before fully understanding online risks. Sessions focused on explaining concepts such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and recognising suspicious links in simple terms suitable for different age groups.
Educators also underlined the importance of teaching students how to report unsafe content and seek help without fear. “Children should know that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness,” an education official said during a panel discussion in Delhi.
Cyberbullying and online behaviour
Cyberbullying remained a central theme across Safer Internet Day programmes. Experts pointed out that online abuse can have serious emotional and academic consequences for students. Interactive sessions encouraged students to think before posting, respect others online, and avoid sharing harmful or misleading content.
Several schools shared examples of peer-led initiatives, where trained student volunteers help classmates understand safe online behaviour. Such approaches, educators said, make safety messages more relatable and effective.
Data privacy and responsible sharing
With students increasingly using apps, games, and learning platforms, data privacy was another major focus. Experts warned that many young users share personal information without reading privacy policies or understanding how data is stored and used.
Workshops advised students to limit what they share online, review app permissions, and be cautious when signing up for new platforms. Parents were also encouraged to discuss privacy settings at home and stay informed about the apps their children use.
Role of parents and teachers
Safer Internet Day events highlighted that digital safety is a shared responsibility. Teachers were advised to integrate online safety topics into regular lessons rather than treating them as one-time discussions. Parents, meanwhile, were urged to maintain open communication with children about their online experiences instead of relying only on restrictions.
Experts noted that trust-based conversations help students feel comfortable reporting problems such as online threats or inappropriate content.
Preparing students for a digital future
As India continues to expand digital education and connectivity, speakers stressed that preparing students for a safe digital future must be a long-term effort. Safer Internet Day, they said, should serve as a reminder rather than the only moment of action.
The lessons from this year’s events point to a clear direction: consistent digital literacy education, cooperation between schools and families, and student-focused safety strategies are essential to ensure that young users can benefit from technology without compromising their well-being.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 11:35 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 10:02 pm | News Categories: Education
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