Arnika Singh, Co-Founder at Social Media Matters facilitated an online safety training session with the students of Simbawala School, Dungarpur Rajasthan. The age group of the participants was between 12 to 15 years. The workshop began with an introductory round for how much are the students using the internet and for what purposes. Most of the students were using it for their assignments, for online games, social media etc. During the pandemic, the use of online spaces and the internet in general has increased and hence, the kids are also using it to pass their time and to connect with newer things, places. Hence it is important that a conversation is initiated with them to make them understand the safety protocols and tools of the internet. As the participants were a younger lot, the discussion was focussed at preparing them to use the internet as wisely as they can. Issues like cyber bullying, harassment, trolling and similar issues.
The kids were smart enough to receive the message and promised that they will follow the safety measures and keep in mind that they are not spreading any hatred via their actions and behaviors.
We believe that if you handhold these children before they venture out in the world of technology and building connections online, they will have a better understanding of placing themselves rightly and also, making sure that they have followed all the safety measures.
