Schools to integrate cybersecurity education amid rising online threats, ETEducation

Amid a sharp rise in cyber threats like online bullying, data breaches and misinformation, educators increasingly stress the need to equip students with essential digital safety skills. Experts also argue that with online learning and digital engagement becoming integral to education, understanding cybersecurity, responsible online behaviour and data privacy has become as vital as traditional subjects.

Recognising these challenges, the Union education ministry is considering making cybersecurity education part of the curriculum from primary to higher secondary levels. The proposal, once approved, may be made mandatory across central and state board schools. In a crucial step, the directorate of education (DoE) has already mandated all Delhi govt schools to raise awareness around digital safety.

Officials confirmed that the ministry is working on the recommendations of a parliamentary committee to design a structured cybersecurity curriculum. “This is not just about preventing fraud, it’s about creating responsible digital citizens,” said an education department official. “In today’s day and age, the internet is students’ second home — we need to teach them how to lock the doors.”

“The plan may include introducing mandatory cybersecurity courses even in non-technical programmes at colleges and universities. These would focus on cyber awareness, responsible online behaviour and data privacy. Authorities are also considering a national training platform for cybersecurity and using AI and machine learning to provide predictive intelligence about cyber threats,” the official added.

Experts say rising internet use has sharply increased risks of online fraud, cyberbullying and misuse of personal data. Cybersecurity education can help students recognise and avoid online dangers while encouraging safer online behaviour, they point out, adding that early exposure may also spark interest in careers in cybersecurity, helping bridge the skills gap in this growing field.

Responding to immediate risks faced by students, DoE recently issued a circular mandating all Delhi govt schools to spread awareness about digital safety. The guidelines, drawn from a handbook prepared by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, provide clear dos and don’ts for safe online practices. “In view of the increasing number of cybercrimes and online frauds targeting students, school staff and educational institutions, it is imperative to promote digital safety and responsible online behaviour,” the circular states.

Students are advised to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi for financial tasks and never share OTPs or PINs. They are also cautioned against scanning QR codes to receive money, falling for fake job offers or scholarship frauds and clicking suspicious links. “We even talked about QR codes. And never scan a code to receive money — that’s a big red flag,” said a teacher.

The circular directs schools to integrate these lessons into daily life. Guidelines must be read out in morning assemblies to reinforce key messages and encourage students to report suspicious activity. Schools are also asked to display advisories prominently on notice boards and organise regular awareness sessions led by computer teachers.

In case of any incident — whether phishing emails, fraudulent offers or online bullying — teachers are to escalate it immediately to the head of school and the district authority must be informed. By embedding cyber safety into everyday routines, officials believe schools can transform from vulnerable target areas into safe zones.

Cyber threats on the rise, plans afoot to make safety shields part of lessons.