Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 28: To promote digital safety and responsible online behavior among students Lourdes Central school organized a comprehensive awareness program on ‘Cyber safety and device handling’ for students of class VIII to XII. The event, held on July 28, aimed to educate participants about the importance of online safety and responsible device use in today's digital age.
The programme featured an insightful talk by renowned cyber security, digital safety expert, motivational speaker, and author Dr AnanthPrabhu. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were principal Fr johnson sequeira, vice principal Anitha Thomas, academic coordinator of higher primary section Fr Arul.
The event commenced with a prayer led by the school choir team, setting a reflective tone for the awareness programme. This was followed by a welcome address by Zac Cardoz and Sannidhi Kulkarni, who set a warm and inclusive tone for the event. Faculty member Harshitha Shetty introduced the esteemed guest, Dr AnanthPrabhu, a renowned expert in cyber security and digital safety.
Dr Prabhu is a professor of computer science and the principal investigator at the Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Centre of Excellence at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management. With a PhD, two international post-doctoral fellowships, and advanced degrees including an MBA and a diploma in cyber law, his academic accomplishments are truly inspiring.
The principal, Fr Johnson L Sequeria, addressed the gathering about the pros and cons of digital world and to be aware of cyber crime and emphasized the importance of such initiatives to create a digitally responsible generation. Showed gratitude to resource person for willingly agreeing to guide us and distributing the cyber safe girl 7.0 books sponsored by Vivek Raj Poojary, parent of class X Diya & Diva. The resource person was felicitated with respect and gratitude.
Dr Prabhu delivered an insightful talk on cyber safety and device handling, emphasizing the need for vigilance and best practices when navigating the online world and providing valuable insights to the attendees.
Dr Prabhu addressed crucial topics such as cyberbullying, cyber flashing, online frauds, social media safety, phishing, vishing, morphed images, digital addiction, and cyber laws. Using real-life case studies, interactive demonstrations, he explained how students can protect themselves in the virtual world. He urged students to be vigilant while using social media platforms and stressed the importance of setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious online activity. Dr Prabhu also explained the legal consequences of cybercrimes under the information technology act and how teenagers could stay within the boundaries of law while navigating digital spaces. Avoid using mobiles in bedroom, washroom and recommended to use camera cover. He informed students to use install safe apps and websites such as truecaller, family link, sanchar saathi, sanjay sahay, TAPCOP, digilocker and to check ESRB rating before installing apps.
Dr Prabhu has authored 17 books, holds three patents, and has delivered over 3,000 impactful lectures. His landmark initiative, cyber safe girl v6.1, downloaded more than 4.5 cr times, has empowered millions especially in rural India with crucial cyber literacy. Cyber safe girl 7.0 authored by him was distributed to the students. Book includes 70 eye opening ingotoons to ensure online safety of netizens.
The session ended with a lively Q&A round, where students enthusiastically asked questions and shared their views.
The programme culminated on a high note with head girl Kyra Hansika Prasad leading the digital citizenship pledge, promising to use the internet and devices safely and responsibly. The pledge was enthusiastically echoed by the other students, reinforcing their commitment to being responsible digital citizens
The program was skillfully hosted by Evana, Diganth, Gayan and Anagha, who brought the event to life with their energetic and engaging emceeing.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Abhiram Kashyap and Sharvi Shetty of class XI. Their sincere appreciation for the efforts put into organizing the event added a touching end to the awareness programme.
The event was a great success and left students empowered with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.
Through such initiatives, Lourdes Central school continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its community members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.