In an effort to protect children from falling victim to online frauds, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a curriculum to educate school students. The initiative, named ‘Introduction to E-Security,’ is geared towards creating awareness and imparting skills to help students avoid becoming victims of online scams as they grow older.
Online fraud has become a prevalent issue in Punjab, with many individuals falling prey to scams. The aftermath of such incidents often results in financial losses ranging from thousands to lakhs of rupees. To address this concern and reduce such incidents in the future, school children in Punjab will now receive education to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely.
The curriculum, developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be initially implemented in schools where the Student Police Cadet scheme is already in progress. According to the education department, students in the eighth and ninth grades will undergo training on this subject. Master trainers associated with the Vigilance Against Cybercrime (VAC) scheme will lead the program, drawing on their experience in training students involved in the Police Cadet scheme.
The aim is to make students well-informed about the risks associated with online fraud and provide them with the necessary tools to protect themselves. Additionally, the program will include both indoor and outdoor activities to enhance the learning experience and ensure that students are well-prepared to handle any challenges related to online security.
The program will also cover extracurricular activities conducted under the aegis of the Student Police Cadet scheme, with these activities scheduled to take place annually after examinations.
A comprehensive 28-page book, prepared in English, will serve as a guide for students undergoing the training.
Punjab has witnessed a significant number of fraud cases, with over 400 cases reported in the past year alone.