Evaluating Cyber Safety and Digital Citizenship for Public School Students in Puducherry, India

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly emphasizes on promoting digital literacy. However, the implementation remains far from reality in most government schools. To address this gap, Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL), a youth-led organization provided Cyber Hygiene and Digital Safety training to government school students. The program focused on five key areas: 1) managing screen time and understanding addictive algorithms, 2) preventing online child sexual abuse, 3) protecting personal data, 4) avoiding cyberbullying, and 5) recognizing financial risks in online games. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the effectiveness and offers recommendations for scaling the program and its potential policy implications.

The study adopted a mixed-method approach and was implemented in classes 6 to 9 in five government schools in Puducherry. Quantitative data were collected using a self-designed pre- and post-assessment survey (n=344). Additionally, qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews (n=20) to contextualize results. Descriptive statistics and a paired-sample t-test were employed to evaluate the pre- and post-test mean values for each module, using JASP software to measure effectiveness. Qualitative data were thematically coded, sub-coded, and analyzed using Dedoose software. The findings were then compiled and presented for dissemination.

The majority of the students came from low-income families and marginalized communities. The study results demonstrated a significant improvement in students’ cyber hygiene awareness and digital safety knowledge across all evaluated modules. A paired-sample t-test showed that overall post-test scores (M = 4.8, SD = 0.63) were significantly higher than pre-test scores (M = 3.52, SD = 0.88), t(344) = -15.58, p < .001, indicating the program’s effectiveness. Additionally, qualitative data supported these findings, with students reporting enhanced awareness and confidence in practicing safe and responsible internet usage, demonstrating the program's success in fostering healthy digital habits.

This study underscores the importance of targeted education programs in enhancing cyber hygiene and digital safety awareness. Scaling similar initiatives to other regions, with adequate resource allocation and partnerships among educational institutions, governments, and nonprofits, is crucial. Policymakers in India must update the National Policy for Children (NCP) of 2013 to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child’s General Comment No. 25 (2021), ensuring a safe and inclusive digital environment for all children.