Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 24: Concerned over rising cybercrimes and the growing health issues linked to unregulated mobile phone use among children, the Union and State governments have decided to introduce Internet safety awareness lessons across government schools.
In partnership with Meta, a special module will soon be launched for students from Classes 6 to 10 in all government schools. The initiative aims to equip children with the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
With mobile usage surging among this age group, the programme prioritises guidelines on safe Internet practices. Post-pandemic online classes have increased screen time significantly, and several cases of Internet misuse have been reported.
Taking these developments into account, the government has resolved to strengthen digital safety awareness. Teachers will be trained in phases to deliver the modules effectively.
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), under the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, has teamed up with Meta to implement the programme, titled Digital Nagarika. The initiative aims to reach one lac teachers and ten lac students across the State.
Pilot project successful
The Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) implemented a pilot in 2024–25 across Bengaluru (North, South and Rural), Mysuru, Belagavi, Dakshina Kannada and Kalaburagi.
Around 12,000 teachers and 85,000 students were trained during the pilot. Following its success, the programme will now be expanded to all government schools. A nodal officer has been appointed through DIET to ensure proper monitoring.
“A new programme has been organised to create awareness among students. Teachers have been provided supplementary information online. They have been instructed to educate children about cybercrime and the safe use of the Internet, and separate training will be given to teachers as well,” said Gopalakrishna H N, director, DSERT.