How to be a Responsible Cyber Citizen?28-Jan-2022

In this digital world, where children are increasingly wired to social media and the internet, the concerns of cyber security, cyber bullying, cyber hygiene are pertinent. With this notion, an in-house four-day online workshop on cyber bullying for students of grade VI to XII was conducted at Unison World School from 24th to 28th January 2022 on MS Teams platform by the computer department. The purpose of the workshop was to generate awareness amongst the students regarding, how the social media applications and dependency on them are creating many negative effects on not just children but adults alike. Precautionary measures and warning signs of someone distressed were also discussed. The children were briefed about the legal aspects of accessing the internet like the legal age, ethics, and rules of using social media and gaming and ways to handle real and virtual life judiciously. They were students were introduced to many cyber lexicons like Cyber Bullying, Hacking, Phishing, Internet Addiction Disorder, Sexting, Digital Frauds, Digital Detox and Plagiarism. Under Digital Detox terminology, students were advised to take a break for some time from using tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. “Detoxing” from digital devices helps in focussing on real-life social interactions without distractions. Several case studies were shared with the children, and they were further sensitized towards privacy and security of data. For grades VI, VII & VIII online cybersecurity quiz was conducted at the end of the workshop which let them explore varied kinds of threats they make encounter, there, need for cybersecurity, the best security measures, and much more. The students took keen interest and got their queries resolved. The session concluded by sharing some tips for safe and socially acceptable rules of online conduct known as Netiquettes. Computer faculty also shared the website and helpline numbers for reporting Cyber Crimes. Women and children can report anonymously on www.cybercrime.gov.in