By Ms Namrata Goddeti for BIS Mumbai

On July 30, 2026, Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nashik, organized two awareness sessions to educate students on cyber safety, responsible digital citizenship, and personal safety. The programme aimed at equipping the students with the knowledge and confidence to make safe and responsible choices in today's digital world.

The programme began with the introduction of Shri Ashok Umaji Sharmale, Senior Police Inspector, Gangapur Police Station, Nashik. With over 18 years of distinguished service in the Maharashtra Police Force, he has served in the Crime Branch, Economic Offences Wing, and various police stations across Mumbai and Nashik. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to cyber security, women's safety, and public awareness. The Principal Fr Rixson Nigrel SDB, warmly welcomed the resource persons and encouraged students to actively participate in the sessions. He reminded them that education is not confined to academics but also involves nurturing responsible, disciplined, and value-based citizens.

The first session was conducted by Shri Ashok Umaji Sharmale for the students of Classes VI to X on ‘Digital Awareness and Cyber Safety’. He enlightened the students about cybercrime, online frauds, the responsible use of social media, and the importance of safeguarding personal information. He also addressed the topic of Good Touch and Bad Touch, emphasizing the importance of recognizing unsafe situations and speaking up without fear. He urged students to immediately approach their parents, teachers, or any trusted adult if they ever experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour. Stressing that silence should never protect wrongdoing, he encouraged students to seek timely help and assured them that reporting such incidents is an act of courage and responsibility.

The second session was conducted by Dr Purva Bhosale for the students of Classes I to V on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’. Through simple and interactive examples, she explained body safety, the difference between good touch and bad touch, and the three safety steps: Say No, Go Away, and Tell a Trusted Adult. She also helped children understand the difference between safe and unsafe secrets and encouraged them to report any uncomfortable situation without fear.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Principal Fr Nigrel, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource persons for their wise and inspiring sessions. The sessions concluded on a meaningful note, leaving students empowered to make wise and responsible choices both online and offline.