On Friday, Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp said it was partnering with CyberPeace Foundation to create awareness on cyber safety among students.
WhatsApp said the partnership aims to reach about 15,000 students in 5 states of India including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand & Maharashtra by the end of 2020 as part of a pan-India programme.
The company said CyberPeace Foundation will train teachers, parents & students using a co-created curriculum to increase online safety for children in consultation with UNICEF and state police authorities. At the end of these training sessions, the participants will create a 'CyberPeace Club' for creating a 'repository' of guidance that other students can refer to for boosting online child safety.
The curriculum that has been developed by WhatsApp & CPF will focus on developmental skills & will provide consultation with education boards, & governments at the state & national level, the company said.
Shivnath Thukral, public policy, WhatsApp India said in addition to providing end-to-end encryption that already protects the messages on WhatsApp every day, the platform continues to work closely with child safety experts, Govts & technology companies to help keep people safe.
He added that "This partnership underscores the critical need for cyber safety through digital literacy & we are delighted to be a part of this initiative".
Vineet Kumar, founder & president CyberPeace Foundation said as students spend more time online, they are more vulnerable to cyber threats such as cyberbullying, stumbling across child abuse material, cybercriminals disrupting online classes, the spread of misinformation & privacy issues.
He added that "Given the widespread popularity of WhatsApp, we are confident that the initiative will entail in creating sustainable cyber aware school students & bolster the educational system in India against cyberattacks".
WhatsApp said the partnership is a part of the company's multi-year campaign on safety focusing on digital literacy & it intends to engage with key organisations like NCPCR, UNICEF & MHRD in an effort to protect & promote child rights.
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