By Ms Dorothy Fernandes and Ms Annie Derin for BISMumbai

Don Bosco High School, Naigoan, hosted the cybercrime workshop for Grades 6 to 9 students on 8 January 2024. Fr Anthony Fonseca, the Principal, warmly welcomed Mr Mangesh Andhare, Police Inspector at the Naigoan (East) Police Station. He and his team members from the cybercrime branch conducted the session for about 600 students. 

Mr Andhare spoke to the students about the increased usage of internet services and smartphones, which has made social networking one of the most popular online activities. Social media gives people the ability to interact, communicate, and exchange content—such as images or videos—with others all over the world. He listed a few of the well-known social media sites, saying, “The tremendous growth in use of social networking platforms has provided a fertile ground for cybercriminals to engage in illegal activities such as cyberbullying and cyberstalking.”

Mr Andhare cautioned them to be extremely vigilant while handling their devices, especially if they are active on social media, and that they should ideally limit the use of mobile phones only for study purposes, such as sharing notes, and use them responsibly. Furthermore, he advised the students to safeguard themselves from exposure to cybercrime by not sharing passwords and OTPs. He also briefed the students on how to protect themselves and their information while using social media platforms. 

Later, Mr Andhare gave a rundown of the numerous scams and crimes involving social media use and gave the students a briefing on kid-friendly internet safety advice. He advised the pupils to file reports if they encounter inappropriate or offensive content, financial fraud, malware, identity theft, or cyberbullying. He also informed the students about what kind of penalty would be given to those involved in cybercrime fraud.

Many students had their doubts cleared, as Mr Andhare was happy to answer their questions. The session was very informative, as it helped students understand the seriousness of cyber fraud and how the police force, in collaboration with the cybercrime department, is tackling these issues.

Notably, students can approach the police in the event of any cyber-related crimes by calling the National Police Helpline 112, the National Police Helpline for Women (181), and the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930). If students are scared to approach the police directly, they are advised to inform their parents, teachers or principal to report the matter.