Tech Shout!

Google India has launched an Internet safety campaign called ‘Be NetSmart’ across India. The aim of this campaign is to educate young Web users on how to use the Internet intelligently and stay safe online.

Google’s ‘Be NetSmart’ is an interactive campaign that focuses on students in standard six and above. The sessions conducted in the schools cover topics ranging from maintaining confidentiality and refraining from interacting with strangers online to tips on downloading content, posting pictures, online chatting.

Besides students, parents and teachers are also being educated on the same with topics such as Internet awareness and the need to be involved with children.

The campaign was launched in Mumbai on February 18 together with the Mumbai Police. Since then, the Mumbai Police and Google have managed to reach out to around 15,000 students, 300 teachers and 30 schools carrying the ‘Be NetSmart’ message.

In fact, the Mumbai police and Google employee volunteers have visited English-, Hindi, Marathi-, Gujarathi- and Urda-medium schools in Mumbai to spread the good word.

According to Shailesh Rao, Managing Director, Google India, “Nowhere in the world is the idea that young people are the future truer than in India, so it is critical to empower our youth with all the tools that will help them build a better life. The Internet is feeding the curiosity of youth – encouraging them to ask new questions and to expand the boundaries of their knowledge. The ‘Be NetSmart’ campaign is a step towards ensuring their safety online, while they continue to explore limitless possibilities.”

Ensuring the safety of children online requires a collaborative effort on the part of parents, teachers, authorities and service providers. This campaign is one such collaborative effort. Google and Mumbai Police are aiming to reach out to students to educate them about Internet security. It is vital to remember that the Internet is here to stay. It is our job to teach our kids to be safe and smart,” said Mr. Sanjay Mohite, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement).

Google India hopes to replicate this success enjoyed in Mumbai across India as well. For this, Google India is in talks with police organizations in Indian cities to form partnerships to jointly educate students, teachers and parents about the judicious use of the Internet.