New Delhi: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, organised a national online workshop on mental health and cyber security for youth engagement on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024. The workshop featured two sessions: one on mental health by Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi, and the other on cyber security by Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav, DCP, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs. The workshop was broadcast live on YouTube, reaching over 20 lakh students and educators nationwide.

Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, emphasised the importance of mental well-being and safe internet use among students, stressing the need for early intervention to prevent potential mental health issues in the digital age.

Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, reiterated the commitment of the National Education Policy 2020 to prioritise student well-being. She highlighted the importance of mental health for both students and educators, encouraging everyone to carefully heed the advice of experts to maintain good mental health and avoid becoming victims of cybercrime.

Dr. Rajesh Sagar offered valuable insights into common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, noting that nearly 50% of mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14. He advocated for early intervention and identified academic pressure, parental conflicts, and bullying as common stressors. Dr. Sagar also shared coping strategies like deep breathing and cognitive restructuring to help children lead happier lives.

In her session, Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav underscored the importance of cyber hygiene and security for children. She outlined preventive measures against cyberbullying, grooming, and fraudulent online gaming applications. Dr. Yadav encouraged students to report cyber fraud via the helpline 1930 or @cyberdost and stressed responsible internet use, parental awareness, and the protection of personal information. Both experts urged students to share any issues they face with trusted adults such as parents and teachers.

The workshop engaged students from classes VI to XII from Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, CBSE, and state government schools across the country. It was also presented in sign language, ensuring accessibility for all participants. The initiative received widespread appreciation from attendees, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a safer and healthier educational environment.

BI Bureau