In a significant move to enhance cyber safety and safeguard the mental and social well-being of girl students, the Tamil Nadu government has launched the ‘Akal Vilaku’ scheme. This initiative is designed to protect female students of classes 9 to 12 from online frauds, cyberbullying, and other digital threats that could potentially lead to school dropout or emotional distress.
The scheme was formally launched by Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, School Education Minister, at the Keeramangalam Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Pudukottai. Speaking at the event, the minister stressed the importance of preparing students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Awareness Materials and Training
According to the official statement, the State Educational Research and Training Institute has developed a set of awareness materials, including brochures and videos, to educate students about cybercrime and safe online behavior. These resources will be distributed across schools, and teachers will integrate cyber safety training into career guidance programs already conducted in educational institutions.
The programme specifically aims to protect girl students from becoming victims of online scams, harassment, or exploitation. Teachers will also be trained to use high-tech classrooms and computer laboratories in government schools to educate students about secure online practices.
Key Guidelines for Students
The ‘Akal Vilaku’ scheme outlines a series of cyber safety guidelines for school children, focusing on preventive measures and responsible digital behavior:
- Protect Personal Information – Never share personal details online with strangers.
- Parental Guidance – Use the internet under parental supervision and ensure devices have antivirus protection.
- Rely on Authentic Sites – Avoid proxy websites; use only trusted official sources.
- Block Harmful Content – Restrict access to pages or channels promoting hateful or unsafe material.
- Report Incidents Promptly – Inform parents or teachers immediately if faced with online harassment or fraud.
- Beware of Fake Advertisements – Verify the authenticity of advertisements before acting on them.
- Strengthen Online Security – Use strong passwords for email and social media accounts to prevent hacking.
- Never Share OTP or Bank Details – Protect sensitive financial information at all costs.
- Avoid Uploading Personal Photos – Be cautious about sharing images online to prevent misuse.
Support and Reporting Channels
Students encountering suspicious activities or scams can file a legal complaint with the cybercrime branch via the official portal or call the 1930 helpline for immediate assistance.
A Step Towards Safer Education
The ‘Akal Vilaku’ scheme represents a proactive step by the Tamil Nadu government to address the increasing cyber risks faced by young students, particularly girls. By combining awareness campaigns, teacher-led training, and clear safety guidelines, the initiative seeks to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the internet securely.
This programme not only strengthens digital literacy but also reinforces the state’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive educational environment for every girl, ensuring that technology becomes a tool for learning rather than a source of harm, for more details CLICK HERE
