With the pandemic in view, multiple educational institutions have shifted into an e-school. Children are spending more time than usual on the internet, which is resulting in an increased risk of cyber bullying and online child sexual abuse during the Covid-19 health crisis. Thus, Our Voix Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, has launched a comic book on cyber safety on July 27, 2021. Our Voix had partnered with Tagore International School and PRATYeK to curate the comic book. The comic book has been curated after interactions with children from different states in India, the voices of children have been involved in the making of the comic book.
During the virtual launch, children, teachers and stakeholders from more than states had joined the virtual launch event and shared their views about the importance of knowledge about cyber safety. Megha Bhatia, Founder of Our Voix, talked about the statistics related to cyber bullying and abuse in India. She stated that “this is not just a comic book but a revolution against cyber abuse.”
After thjis, Mannat, a student of Sanskriti school, shared that “the ongoing pandemic has affected the school going children the most as they are more vulnerable and present on the internet for maximum hours.” She also reinforced the power of voice to speak up against abuse.
Vedica Saxena, Project Director, Tagore International School, emphasised on the importance of keeping children’s voice first and including such resources as a part of the school library. Tia, a student of Tagore International School, shared her views about the importance to start the conversation about cyber security, sexual abuse and bullying as it empowers students as well as makes them feel welcomed.
Tamanna, a Class 6 student from PRATYeK, shared that it is very important for adults to listen to children so as to understand their point of views. She also mentioned a beautiful line that, “bacche safe honge tabhi duniya badhegi.”
Ayan, a student from PRATYeK mentioned that if he had a superpower, he would use it to protect and fight for the rights of children. He also wishes to engage in peaceful rallies to make children aware about their rights. Utkarsh, a student of Tagore International School, stated that we should always take safety measures while we are surfing on the internet. He also emphasised on the importance of cyber security for children as it is equally important as national security.
Mr Rakshit Tandon, Cyber Security Expert and Director/Co-founder, Hackershala, Consultant, IAMAI (Internet & Mobile Association of India) Advisory, Cyber Crime Cells, shared key points about cyber hygiene, information distancing just like social distancing, screen time, digital responsibility and safety. He believes that children should read comic books on cyber safety as such resources will empower them with knowledge about cyber safety.
The session ended with an abundance of love, support and appreciation from the participants. Indian children are the most cyber bullied in the world. During Covid, such comic books will be a great resource for parents and teachers to start a conversation with children about cyber safety in a chil- friendly manner. The comic book includes topics such as cyber bullying, stalking, impact of sharing morphed images or private pictures on social media, privacy, fake news, digital footprint, finding the right balance, the right to stay safe offline as well as online and many more informative topics to create a safe digital space for children.
You can get your very own copy of the comic book by clicking on the link, get your Cyber Safety comic book today
About the author: You may reach Our Voix at 9599860311 or by sending an email at ourvoix@gmail.com.