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Children and teenagers are more linked than ever in the rapidly digitising world of today. This exposes children to new dangers such as digital exploitation, which includes everything from sextortion, false information, and identity theft to online grooming ad cyberbullying, even while it also offers them a plethora of educational and social opportunities. Schools are crucial in preventing digital exploitation and creating a generation that is aware, confident and protected online since they are the main setting in which children spend a large portion of their formative years.
What is digital exploitation?
Digital exploitation is when technology is abused to control, hurt or exploit someone, usually children who might not be aware of the risks. Exploiters may pretend to be friends, entice kids with empty promises, or force them to divulge private photos or information. As children use smartphones, social media etc more frequently, the threats are immediate and frequently unseen rather than remote.
What is a school’s legal requirement for the digital age?
Right to Literacy Act, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2022
By guaranteeing that everyone has access to fundamental reading, writing, and digital skills- particularly in rural and marginalised communities- India’s Right to Literacy Act, 2022 seeks to advance universal literacy. It highlights digital literacy as an essential component of contemporary education, even though its main concentration is on fundamental literacy. The Act helps lower the danger of digital exploitation by giving adults and children that skills they need to comprehend and utilise digital tools appropriately. The Act is a useful instrument in creating a safer, more knowledgeable digital society since educated users are better equipped to identify online threats, safeguard their personal data, and ask for assistance when necessary.
For more detailed legal information: https://sansad.in/getFile/BillsTexts/RSBillTexts/Asintroduced/13-%20E-%20258%20Session1213202275605PM.pdf?source=legislation
What can schools do?
- Teaching Digital Safety
In addition to teaching students how to use technology, schools must provide age-appropriate digital literacy programs that cover safety, warning signs, and what to do in the event of an emergency. These programs could include topics such as identifying phoney/dubious profiles, awareness on what to post online and security concerning passwords and privacy settings.
- Establishing a secure environment for reporting
Due to being ashamed, afraid or unsure about who to turn to, many kids stay quiet about harm they experience online. In order for students to feel heard and protected- rather than punished- for coming forward, schools must establish safe and encouraging reporting procedures.
Having an open-door policy, anonymous reporting alternatives, and certified counsellor or digital safety coordinators can all make a big difference.
- Staff and teacher training
Early indicators of distress, such as behavioural changes, worry or withdrawal, are frequently observed by teachers. However, specific training is needed to identify digital exploitation. Having training sessions and refresher courses keep employees ready and confident in their ability to react appropriately and teaching them about common websites that kids use and warning indications of online grooming and abuse increases the teacher’s ability to help when required.
According to a survey and research done by the foundation Internet Matters, the biggest obstacles to effective online safety instruction- according to teachers who responded to the survey- are keeping up with the technological advancements, being aware of the platforms that kids use, and not having time or the right kind of training to feel comfortable doing online safety instruction.
Additionally, they found that the quality of outreach between schools and parents is occasionally poor, even though parents play a crucial role in protecting their children online (81% of children aged 9-16 would approach their parent for assistance on internet safety, compared to 70% who would seek a teacher)
- Engaging Parents in digital awareness
By teaching families about the dangers of technology, schools can act as a liaison between parents and kids. Organising digital safety workshops, exchanging materials, and promoting candid family discussions all contribute to making sure kids have support at home.
- Creating a clear code of conduct regarding digital media
Schools should establish explicit standards for online interactions, including classroom discussions, learning platforms, and personal device use, in the same way that they do for classroom behaviour. Students benefit from this by learning about boundaries and accepting accountability for their online behaviour.
Conclusion
In the digital age, safeguarding kids requires not only their physical surroundings but also their online environment. By being proactive, schools may serve as effective educators and guardians, assisting children in using the internet safely, sensibly, and confidently. After all, education aims to prepare students for the real world, which is both offline and online these days, not just academic achievement. It is everyone’s obligation to prevent digital exploitation, not just one individual or organisation. To create a culture where digital safety is taken for granted, communities, parents, schools and even students themselves must collaborate. However, through teaching, early intervention, and fostering settings of empowerment and trust, schools are in a unique position to spearhead this change.
In case you are looking for customized child safety training, POCSO-related training, or POCSO advisory services, please feel free to reach out to us at +919004521614 or [email protected].
Authored by Tara Chanda, Content Writer Intern