With children spending more time on social media, online gaming and digital platforms, protecting them from cyber threats has become an important priority for educational institutions. Addressing these concerns, the Indian Air Force has brought 42 of its schools under a child digital safety programme, with 261 teachers completing specialised training to identify and respond to online risks involving students.
The initiative is being led by the Indian Air Force Educational and Cultural Society under Air Headquarters. It is implemented through ScrollControl, a programme supported by the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) Foundation.
As part of the initiative, participating teachers have completed a certification course to become Cyber Crime Intervention Officers. They are expected to serve as the first point of support when students encounter online threats, including cyber harassment, exploitation and financial fraud.
The training covers several emerging digital risks, such as online grooming, child exploitation, misuse of artificial intelligence, gaming-related threats and financial scams. Teachers are trained to identify warning signs, support affected students, preserve digital evidence and connect victims with appropriate specialist assistance.
However, the certification does not grant teachers police or investigative powers. Their responsibility is limited to providing initial support within the school environment and facilitating access to relevant authorities and experts.
Preserving digital evidence, including messages, screenshots, account details and other online records, is particularly important in cases involving grooming, harassment and financial fraud.
The programme also provides round-the-clock victim assistance through a network of cyber lawyers, cyber psychologists and forensic specialists. This support is intended to help affected students and their families access legal, psychological and technical guidance.
The ISAC Foundation is facilitating teacher training, certification and their proposed empanelment on the National Security Database. However, further details about the database’s operational role and the responsibilities associated with this empanelment have not been specified.
Beyond teacher training, ScrollControl aims to develop a wider cyber safety ecosystem within participating schools. The programme will support the establishment of cyber clubs, student certification in digital safety and awareness sessions for parents and school staff.
Families will also receive access to an age-appropriate content rating platform to help them assess whether online material is suitable for children. Participating institutions will have an opportunity to receive recognition as Cyber Safe Schools, encouraging regular cyber awareness activities.
The initiative comes amid increasing concerns about children’s exposure to online platforms, including social media, gaming applications and digital services. While affordable smartphones and high-speed internet have expanded access to technology, they have also increased exposure to harmful content, online exploitation and fraudulent activities.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also directed affiliated schools to observe Cyber Jagrookta Diwas every month to promote cyber awareness.
Online grooming, for instance, involves criminals building relationships with children through messaging applications, gaming platforms and social media before attempting exploitation. Other emerging threats include fraudulent gaming offers, impersonation, financial scams and the misuse of AI to create misleading images, audio and videos.
Since schools can often identify early signs of online harassment or changes in student behaviour, trained teachers can play an important role in guiding children towards appropriate support. Serious cyber offences, however, must still be reported to the relevant authorities.
Currently, the programme covers 42 Air Force Schools and 261 trained teachers. No timeline for expansion or specific student participation targets have been announced.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of building cyber awareness within schools and encouraging children to report suspicious conversations, online threats and requests for personal information without hesitation.
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