Mumbai students request for Cyber Safety as subject in their academic curriculum, says Ahaan Foundation

Ahaan Foundation, an NGO focused on activating more socially responsible children and youth, in their first initiative under the movement 'Responsible Netism' have conducted a study in collaboration with the college of Home Science Nirmala Niketan on 1200 students within Thane and Mumbai.

The project Responsible Netism has received approval and support form Vinod Tawde Ji - Minister of School, Higher and Technical Education Maharashtra and the research under this initiative went on for a year where students from standard 6th to 10th were asked questions about their views on cyber safety and cybercrime.

Speaking on the study conducted, Spokesperson Sonali Patankar - President Ahaan Foundation, said, "Over the last few years, cybercrime has seen a meteoric rise. These intimidations pose grave risks to students since most of them are ill-informed about this issue. Through our movement, Responsible Netism, we wanted to highlight these issues and how we can bring about more socially responsible netizens in India." She added, "The study has brought about many interesting insights, but the most fascinating one was the fact that over 94 percent of the students felt the need to incorporate cyber safety content into their academic curriculum to protect themselves, their parents and friends from online crimes."

Dr. Kamini Rege, Assistant Professor, Dept of Human Development, Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science, Affiliated to University of Mumbai, said on the report launch, "Research conducted 1200 children in Mumbai and Thane district in the year 2016-2017 reveals that children have an extremely low level of awareness and knowledge on being Responsible Netism. Thus, it is important in helping children and youth by creating awareness and imparting education regarding preventing abuse and misuse; and promoting guidelines for cyber safety and security." She also added, "I strongly believe that collective efforts need to be taken by professionals from the field of education, research and media, for creating awareness through value added school curriculum for children and youth along with parenting sessions and workshops to build a CYBER SAFE WORLD for our children."

The research was conducted by the Masters Students Ms. Soumya Shetty and Ms. Virginia Dias under the guidance of Dr. Kamini Rege, Assistant Professor of Dept. of Human Development; College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, affiliated to the University of Mumbai.

The RESPONSIBLE NETISM movement, in conjunction with the Thane and Mumbai Cyber cells, plans to sensitize children, youth and parents within the sphere of educational institutions since academia plays a crucial role in impacting and developing children and youth. They conduct customized 'One-time One-hour' child-friendly interactive sessions titled "Being Responsible Netizens" for students of STD V onwards and for parents. The sessions focus on highlighting psychological impacts and legal implications of irresponsible online behavior and provide technical tips to secure gadgets to enable constructive use of technology and promote online safety. The "Being Responsible Netizens" programme has been sponsored by Quick Heal Foundation for 2016-17.