SP Kamaldeep Goyal urges parents to monitor digital activity and teach children how to avoid online scams, fake identities and suspicious links
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
With internet access, smartphones and digital technology becoming an integral part of everyday life, Yamunanagar district police has issued a special cyber safety advisory for the public, particularly parents and children, urging families to take greater precautions against online fraud and other cyber threats.
The advisory acknowledges that completely keeping children away from the internet and mobile devices is neither practical nor desirable in the present digital environment. Online education, mobile gaming and social media have become part of children’s daily routines, with many spending considerable time using smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal said cyber criminals were increasingly attempting to target children because of their extensive use of digital platforms and their comparatively limited understanding of online risks. He urged parents to remain alert and guide children about safe and responsible internet use.
According to the police advisory, children who regularly play mobile games can become potential targets for fraudsters. Cyber criminals may approach them with attractive offers such as free game rewards, in-game coins, virtual benefits or other incentives. Such offers can be used to establish contact with children and eventually obtain personal information or persuade them to carry out unsafe online activities.
The police also cautioned parents about the risks posed by fake identities on social media. Fraudsters can create false profiles, establish friendships with children and gradually gain their trust before attempting to obtain personal information.
Children may sometimes share information without realising its importance. Details such as their home address, school name, mobile number or information connected with their family can potentially be misused by cyber criminals. The police therefore advised parents to teach children that personal and family information should never be shared with unknown people online.
The advisory also highlighted the potential impact of uncontrolled internet use on children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Excessive exposure to inappropriate or violent online content, as well as experiences of cyberbullying, can affect children’s behaviour and emotional health.
Police said such exposure may contribute to irritability, aggression and stress among children. Parents should therefore pay attention not only to what children do online but also to how digital activities affect their behaviour, mood and routine.
SP Kamaldeep Goyal advised parents to maintain open communication with their children rather than treating online safety only as a matter of restrictions. He said children should be explained the dangers of the internet in simple and understandable language so that they can recognise suspicious behaviour and seek help when necessary.
Parents should clearly tell children not to share personal information with strangers or people whose identities they cannot verify. Children should also be taught not to disclose passwords, financial details or other sensitive information through online conversations.
The police further advised children to avoid clicking on suspicious links, emails, messages or websites. Fraudsters may use attractive messages or offers to persuade users to open malicious links or provide information. Parents should explain to children that an unfamiliar link should never be opened simply because it promises a reward, game benefit or other attractive offer.
Regular supervision of children’s digital activity was another key recommendation in the advisory. Parents have been encouraged to periodically check the applications being downloaded and the websites being accessed by their children.
The police suggested that parents may also review browsing activity from time to time, while maintaining an appropriate balance between supervision and the child’s privacy and trust. The objective should be to identify potential risks and help children develop safer digital habits.
Parents can also make use of parental-control features available on smartphones, tablets, computers and online platforms. Such tools can help families manage children’s access to websites, applications and digital content and provide an additional layer of protection.
The police stressed that technological safeguards should complement, rather than replace, communication between parents and children. Children need to understand why certain online activities are unsafe so that they can make responsible decisions even when parents are not immediately present.
The advisory comes at a time when children’s dependence on digital devices has expanded significantly through online learning, entertainment, gaming and social networking. While these technologies provide important educational and communication opportunities, they can also expose young users to scams, inappropriate content, cyberbullying and attempts to obtain personal information.
Goyal urged parents to remain involved in their children’s digital lives and encourage them to report anything suspicious or uncomfortable instead of hiding it out of fear of being punished.
Police administration appealed to parents to make cyber awareness an ongoing part of family conversations. Children should be encouraged to ask questions whenever they encounter unfamiliar messages, requests or online contacts.
The police said awareness and timely precautions can play an important role in reducing the risk of children becoming victims of cybercrime. A combination of parental guidance, responsible digital behaviour, appropriate supervision and available security tools can help create a safer online environment for young users.
The administration also urged families to ensure that children understand that attractive online rewards, unknown contacts and urgent requests for information may be warning signs of fraud.
Goyal said the objective of the advisory was not to discourage children from using technology but to help them use digital platforms safely and positively. With appropriate guidance and awareness, children can benefit from the educational and creative opportunities offered by the internet while reducing their exposure to cyber risks.
The police administration has called upon parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively educate children about digital safety so that they can navigate the online world responsibly and remain protected from cybercrime.
POD/DESK
