CBSE, cyber hygiene certification, cyber safety in schools, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Cyber Jagrookta Diwas, and online safety for students are in focus after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a fresh advisory asking affiliated schools to strengthen cyber awareness. The board has encouraged students, parents, and teachers to participate in a 2.5-hour Cyber Hygiene Certification Course and to promote regular cyber safety activities across schools.
The initiative is part of a nationwide cyber awareness campaign led by the Ministry of Home Affairs' Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). It aims to educate school communities about emerging cyber threats and encourage responsible digital behaviour as children spend more time online for learning, communication and entertainment.
According to a senior CBSE official, the campaign seeks to equip students, teachers and parents with the knowledge required to recognise and prevent cyber risks such as online grooming, cyberbullying, identity theft, online harassment and financial cyber fraud.
As part of the advisory, CBSE has recommended that schools establish Cyber Clubs to promote digital literacy and safe online practices throughout the academic year. Schools have also been encouraged to organise awareness programmes that help students understand the importance of cyber hygiene and responsible internet use.
To sustain awareness, the board has suggested observing the first Wednesday of every month as "Cyber Jagrookta Diwas." Schools may organise quizzes, debates, speeches, poster-making competitions, cyber safety pledge drives and awareness sessions focused on online security. Cyber safety themes can also be incorporated into annual functions, parent-teacher meetings and other outreach programmes to maximise participation.
CBSE has further advised schools to circulate a cyber safety pledge among students and parents, encouraging responsible use of social media and adherence to basic cyber hygiene practices.
To make learning more engaging, the board has recommended using interactive educational resources, including cyber awareness comic books developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, cyber safety advisories on school parent portals, and activity-based learning tools such as the Cyber Safety Snake and Ladder game. Students and parents have also been encouraged to follow Cyberdost, the government's cyber awareness initiative, for regular online safety updates.
Highlighting the importance of the campaign, I4C Director Nishant Kumar said awareness remains the most effective tool for preventing cybercrime. By involving schools, parents and teachers, the initiative aims to build a culture of cyber safety and prepare young learners to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.
