Government of India Launches National Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign for Students

Nationwide Initiative to Empower Young Digital Citizens

New Delhi, India – On December 14, 2025, the Government of India officially launched a comprehensive National Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign. This significant initiative is specifically designed to equip students across the country with essential knowledge and skills related to online safety, digital responsibility, and data protection. The campaign underscores the government's commitment to fostering a secure and informed digital citizenry amidst the rapidly expanding online landscape.

Focus Areas and Implementation Strategy

The campaign's core objectives revolve around educating students on various facets of cyber safety. Key areas of focus include understanding the risks associated with online interactions, promoting responsible digital behavior, and emphasizing the importance of personal data protection.

To achieve these goals, the initiative will be implemented through a multi-pronged approach, incorporating:

• Workshops: Interactive sessions conducted in schools and colleges to provide practical guidance.
• Digital Modules: Online educational content designed for accessible and engaging learning.
• Awareness Drives: Broad outreach programs to sensitize a larger student population.

This structured approach aims to address prevalent issues such as cyberbullying, phishing, identity theft, and the safe use of social media platforms, ensuring students can navigate the internet confidently and securely.

Broader Context of India's Cyber Security Efforts

The launch of this campaign is part of India's ongoing and robust efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity posture and enhance digital literacy. Various government bodies and organizations have previously undertaken similar initiatives. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), for instance, leads nationwide awareness campaigns, including those observed on Safer Internet Day, and implements the 'Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA)' program.

Other notable initiatives include the 'Cyber Crime Prevention for Women and Children (CCPWC)', the 'Cyber Surakshit Bharat' program, and the monthly 'Cyber Jagrukta Divas' (Cyber Awareness Day), all aimed at raising public awareness and building capacity in cybersecurity.

Protecting Minors with Data Protection Laws

A crucial backdrop to this campaign is the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its subsequent rules. This landmark legislation significantly strengthens safeguards for children online by requiring verifiable parental consent for processing minors' personal data and prohibiting behavioral monitoring or targeted advertising directed at them. Educational institutions are also subject to these regulations, with provisions for obtaining parental consent for data processing and ensuring student privacy.

The campaign aligns with these legal frameworks, reinforcing the message of data privacy and responsible online conduct among young users. Organizations like UNICEF India with its #Staysafeonline campaign and ChildFund India's #WebSafeAndWise initiative have also been instrumental in raising awareness among youth about online risks and safe digital practices.

A Step Towards a Safer Digital Future

The National Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign represents a vital step in empowering India's youth to become responsible and secure digital citizens. By providing comprehensive education on online safety, digital responsibility, and data protection, the Government of India aims to mitigate online risks and cultivate a generation that can harness the benefits of the digital world safely and effectively. This collective effort by government, educational institutions, and civil society organizations is crucial for building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem for the future.