From Screen Time to Self-Awareness
When Aarav (name changed), a 12-year-old student, became addicted to mobile gaming, his studies suffered and his mental health deteriorated. His class teacher recalls that he had lost interest in lessons and struggled to concentrate. Aarav, a pre- high school student of Government High School, Thengode, Kakkanad in Ernakulam, eventually regained his emotional balance through counselling. Yet, his case reflects a wider concern—students often lack awareness of how to use the cyber world, including gaming, responsibly.
Like Aarav, most schoolchildren in Kerala now use smartphones and manage social media accounts. The internet has become an inseparable part of a student’s life, whether for academics, extracurricular activities, or entertainment like gaming. With advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence becoming easily accessible, the digital world is increasingly within every child’s reach. However, awareness about online traps, frauds, and basic digital safety practices remains minimal among students.
Learning the Basics of Cyber Hygiene
To address this, OBC organized a Digital Safety Workshop on October 25 at Government High School, Thengode, Kakkanad, Ernakulam. The session focused on how children can maintain digital etiquette and use the internet and social media wisely. Both students and teachers gained valuable insights into the basics of cyber safety. The workshop also helped students understand how to engage safely with online games—a growing concern among high schoolers. From strengthening passwords to handling cyberbullying, the sessions covered practical aspects of online security.
Fun, Interactive Lessons on Online Safety
Students were also introduced to simple, accessible tools such as Google Lens to detect fake or misleading images circulating on social media. Through interactive question-and-answer rounds and gaming-based activities, the one-day workshop turned out to be both enjoyable and educational, equipping young users with essential awareness to navigate the digital world safely.
