Police ask students to keep social media accounts on private mode

Lucknow: To raise awareness among children about staying safe in the digital world, Uttar Pradesh Police officials on Friday advised students to keep their Instagram and other social media accounts private and refrain from sharing personal information online.The cyber awareness drive was organised by the cyber crime cell of Lucknow Police in collaboration with NGO Prayas at Modern Academy School, where students of Classes VII and VIII were sensitised about rising cyber frauds, online exploitation and safe internet practices.Addressing the students, cyber crime cell head constable Gaurav Shukla explained how cyber criminals trap users through fake messages, phishing links, malicious APK files and fraudulent apps to gain access to mobile phones, bank accounts and sensitive personal data.Officials cautioned students against clicking on unknown links, downloading suspicious applications, or sharing OTPs, passwords and banking information with anyone online.“Children were encouraged to keep their social media profiles private and immediately inform parents, teachers or police if they come across suspicious online activity,” said NGO coordinator Anushangi Khemka.Police also warned students against posting personal photographs, phone numbers, addresses or location details on public social media platforms, saying such information could be misused by cyber offenders.Special emphasis was laid on the risks associated with online gaming platforms. Officials advised students not to interact with strangers during online games or share personal details while gaming, as such interactions can often lead to cyberbullying, fraud, blackmail or exploitation.The interactive session also covered topics such as digital privacy, responsible social media behaviour and identifying online scams targeting teenagers.Cyber safety comics, posters and awareness material were distributed among students during the programme, which was attended by the school principal, teachers and staff members.