The Child Digital Safety Programme

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has introduced the ScrollControl Child Digital Safety Programme across Air Force Schools, with 261 teachers from 42 schools certified as Cyber Crime Intervention Officers.

About The Child Digital Safety Programme:

What is it?

• A comprehensive cyber safety and digital literacy initiative adopted by the Indian Air Force to protect schoolchildren from emerging online threats and promote responsible digital behaviour.

Aim: To strengthen child online safety, cybercrime prevention and responsible digital citizenship through trained teachers and institutional cyber awareness.

Key Features:

• Teacher Certification: Trained and certified 261 teachers from 42 Air Force Schools as Cyber Crime Intervention Officers to identify and address student-related cyber threats.
• Protection Against Online Exploitation: Focuses on preventing online grooming, cyber exploitation and AI misuse, strengthening awareness of emerging digital risks affecting children.
• Gaming & Financial Fraud Awareness: Educates students about gaming-related vulnerabilities and online financial fraud, promoting safer digital practices and informed online decision-making.
• School-Based Cyber Safety Framework: Integrates cyber awareness and intervention capabilities within Air Force Schools through trained educators, strengthening institutional preparedness against digital threats.

Significance:

• Enhances children’s resilience against cybercrime, online exploitation and emerging AI-related threats, promoting safer participation in digital environments.
• Encourages cyber hygiene, digital literacy and responsible online behaviour, helping students navigate increasingly interconnected digital platforms.
• Develops trained school-level cyber safety personnel, strengthening early identification of digital threats and institutional response capabilities.

Relevance in UPSC Examination: