PW invited parents of Brahm Dutt Blue Bells Public School, Sector 10, Gurugram to share insights on how they educate their children on cyber safety

“I firmly believe cyber safety awareness is vital for every child in today’s digital world. My daughter Bhavika (class IX) served as a Cyber Council member last year, and her experience greatly enriched our family’s understanding of online safety. We should all be cautious and never share personal information, while using strong and secure passwords. It is equally important to think carefully before clicking on unfamiliar links or engaging with strangers online. As parents, we can play a crucial role by encouraging open communication, ensuring children feel comfortable discussing their anxieties. With right guidance, awareness, and responsible habits, children can navigate the internet safely, make informed choices, and effectively protect themselves from online risks” — Sonia Sharma, homemaker

“In today’s digital era, cyber safety education is not an option but a necessity. It begins with building open, trusting communication with my son Anay (class VII) and guiding him in an age-appropriate manner. I have set healthy screen-time limits and encourage a balanced lifestyle that includes offline social interactions. I believe teaching Anay to navigate the online world responsibly is as important as any academic subject. Cyber safety awareness should not be confined to schools alone; it must be a shared responsibility practiced and reinforced in every household to ensure children grow into informed, cautious, and confident digital citizens” — Vinita Tiwari. homemaker

“As parents we must make an effort to regulate our own internet usage as children learn best by example. Whenever possible, I engage in open discussions about online behaviour to help my son Vibhav (class VIII) to understand the benefits and risks of internet usage. I also share real-life stories from national/local news or daily experiences to make these lessons relatable. I have cautioned my son against sharing personal information online, clicking unknown links or interacting with strangers. Setting clear screen-time rules for all family members has improved discipline in our household. Above all, trust, open communication and parental guidance have ensured Vibhav transforms into a confident and responsible digital citizen.” — Priya Bharadwaj, lecturer, BM Group of Institutions

“Internet awareness to navigate the digital world was the first lesson we taught our son Aarush (class X). From his childhood, we have been emphasising the importance of safeguarding personal information including passwords, addresses, and phone numbers to help him identify potential online dangers. Encouraging open communication with him has also ensured he feels safe discussing uncomfortable online experiences. Moreover, we have set clear guidelines for screen time sometimes using parental controls for additional safety. I believe nurturing critical thinking skills of children enables them to make informed decisions, understand the impact of their digital footprint, and build safe, respectful, and responsible online habits for life” — Aditi Jain, Vice President, National Australian Bank