By Fr Chris Ferreira SDB for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School, Makarpura, Vadodara, organised a Traffic Safety Awareness and Cyber Security Awareness Programme for the students of Standards 9th and 11th. Approximately 300 students participated in the programme, which was conducted on August 19 and 20, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., under the able guidance of Principal Ms Leena Varghese. The programme aimed to create awareness among students about responsible road behaviour, traffic regulations, cyber safety and the importance of protecting themselves in both physical and digital environments.

The Traffic Safety Awareness Session was conducted by Ms Deepti Thakkar, Police Constable (Traffic). Through an informative and engaging PowerPoint presentation, she explained various aspects of traffic management and road safety. Students were sensitised to the importance of understanding and obeying traffic signs, maintaining lane discipline and following road safety rules. She explained the significance of road dividers, safe overtaking practices and the dangers associated with blind spots.

Special emphasis was placed on helmet safety, reflective tapes and fluorescent colours, which improve visibility and help reduce the risk of accidents. Students were introduced to different categories of traffic signs and their significance. The speaker stressed that traffic rules are not merely meant to regulate vehicles but are essential for protecting the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and all other road users.

The importance of possessing a valid driving licence and avoiding unauthorised vehicle modifications, including modified silencers, was also highlighted. Students were encouraged to develop safe riding habits and understand their responsibilities as future road users. They were made familiar with emergency services such as 108 and 112. Various traffic-safety equipment was displayed, making the session practical, interactive and informative.

The Cyber Security Awareness Session was conducted by Ms Meghna Prajapati, Police Constable (Cyber Crime). The session focused on the increasing risks associated with smartphones, social media, online transactions and other digital platforms. Students were made aware of various forms of cybercrime, including phishing, online scams, fraudulent messages, fake social media accounts, mobile scams, digital footprints and digital arrest scams.

The speaker explained how cybercriminals often manipulate individuals through fear, urgency or attractive offers. Students were therefore advised to remain cautious before clicking unknown links or sharing personal information online. They were encouraged to enable two-step verification on their accounts and avoid opening suspicious .apk files or downloading applications from untrusted sources.

The importance of protecting personal information, photographs, passwords and other sensitive details was strongly emphasised. Students were also encouraged to maintain a positive and responsible digital footprint and to think carefully before posting or sharing content online. They were informed about the 1930 National Cyber Crime Helpline and the official cybercrime reporting portal for reporting online fraud and cybercrime. The session also introduced StopNCII.org, a resource that can assist in addressing the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The important role of SHE Teams in supporting and safeguarding women and girls was also explained.

Both sessions were highly informative, interactive and relevant to the students’ everyday lives. The programme successfully created awareness about road safety, traffic discipline, cybercrime prevention, digital responsibility and personal security. It empowered students to recognise potential dangers, respond appropriately during emergencies and make responsible and safer choices both on the road and in the digital world. The programme was a meaningful initiative towards developing responsible, alert and safety-conscious young citizens.