DoSEL Hosts National Workshop on Mental Health and Cyber Security for Youth

Interactive Online Event Reaches Over 20 Lakh Students and Educators Nationwide, Promoting Well-Being and Online Safety

In observance of World Mental Health Day, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education organized a national online workshop focused on Mental Health and Cyber Security aimed at engaging the youth. The workshop featured two informative sessions: one on mental health led by Dr. Rajesh Sagar, a renowned professor in the Psychiatry Department at AIIMS Delhi, and another on cyber security presented by Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs. The event was broadcast live on YouTube, reaching over 20 lakh students and educators across the country.

Shri Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary of DoSEL, underscored the crucial role of mental well-being and safe internet usage among students. He stressed the need for early intervention to address potential mental health challenges exacerbated by the digital age.

Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary of DoSEL, reinforced the commitment of the National Education Policy 2020 to prioritize student well-being. She emphasized the significance of mental health for both students and educators and urged everyone to heed the advice of experts to maintain good mental health and protect themselves from cyber threats.

In his session, Dr. Rajesh Sagar shared critical insights into prevalent mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. He noted that nearly 50% of mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14, making early intervention vital. Dr. Sagar identified common stressors, including academic pressure, parental conflicts, and bullying, and recommended effective coping strategies like deep breathing and cognitive restructuring to cultivate a healthier childhood environment.

Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav focused on the importance of cyber hygiene and security for children in her presentation. She outlined preventive measures against cyberbullying, grooming, and fraudulent online gaming applications. Dr. Yadav encouraged students to report cyber fraud through the helpline 1930 and @cyberdost, highlighting the importance of responsible internet use, parental awareness, and safeguarding personal information. Both experts advised students to communicate any arising issues with trusted adults, such as parents and teachers.

The workshop engaged students from classes VI to XII from various institutions, including Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, as well as CBSE and state government schools nationwide. To ensure accessibility for all participants, the event was simultaneously presented in sign language. The initiative garnered widespread appreciation from attendees, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a safer and healthier educational environment.

As mental health and digital safety remain critical concerns in today’s rapidly evolving world, this workshop represents a proactive step towards empowering the youth with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate both their mental health and the digital landscape effectively.