UP government directs all secondary schools to implement cybersecurity guidelines, training, and awareness programs for students by December 15.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated its most comprehensive cybersecurity initiative to date, aimed at bolstering the digital security of pupils. Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Basic and Secondary Education), has instructed all school inspectors to enforce the compulsory execution of cybersecurity guidelines, training programs, and awareness initiatives within each secondary school by December 15th.

Given the growing dependence on the internet, social media platforms, interactive learning environments, and information and communication technology (ICT) laboratories, the department has underscored the importance of educating students, educators, and parents regarding secure online conduct.

The cybersecurity guidelines’ link and PDF will be disseminated to principals of government, aided, and self-financed institutions via their respective WhatsApp groups. Schools are required to post these guidelines on their websites to ensure readily available access for students and parents.

A virtual meeting at the district level, encompassing all secondary institutions, is scheduled to comprehensively review each aspect of the established guidelines. Subsequently, each school will develop a cybersecurity action plan encompassing awareness initiatives, competitions, classroom instruction, and training programs. School principals have been directed to disseminate these guidelines to all teaching staff and to implement specialized cybersecurity training sessions.

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Students will be educated on internet safety protocols through morning assemblies, essay and poster competitions, technology-enhanced classroom sessions, and information and communication technology laboratory exercises. Educational institutions are required to conspicuously exhibit color printouts of the Cyber Helpline 1930 and the ‘Stay Alert, Stay Safe’ poster on designated notice boards and within staff rooms.

To facilitate parental engagement, schools will disseminate guidelines via WhatsApp and email, and will conduct concentrated discussions during Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) concerning online fraud, social media risks, and responsible mobile device usage.

A series of stimulating activities has been organized for students, encompassing a cyber safety poster/meme competition, a call-fraud role-playing exercise, a red-flag bingo game, an AI awareness session, and a Digital Detox Day, wherein students will abstain from social media and engage in offline pursuits.

Each secondary school shall designate a Cybersecurity Nodal Teacher to oversee all cybersecurity-related initiatives, maintain pertinent documentation, and provide assistance to students. In observance of Cyber Awareness Month, educational institutions will be mandated to conduct poster competitions, essay contests, brief video production initiatives, creative writing exercises, cyber hygiene campaigns, and informational sessions targeting both children and senior citizens.

The guidelines further encompass complex issues, including online radicalization, hacktivism, cyber warfare, mobile-based offenses against children, and cyber exploitation. Essential safety practices encompass employing robust passwords, maintaining updated web browsers, reporting any suspicious communications, securely storing snapshots, refraining from sharing private photographs, avoiding unfamiliar hyperlinks, and not utilizing hacking tools.
All schools are required to submit a comprehensive compliance report, detailing all action items, to the Director General of School Education by December 15th.