Pune: In a world where a teenager’s digital life is only ever a tap away, the line between opportunity and risk has become alarmingly thin. Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in online phenomena like the Blue Whale and Momo challenges, as well as the addictive pull of games such as PUBG, which have been linked to tragic outcomes and even suicides among adolescents. As viral games and social media trends blur the boundaries between the real and virtual, mental health experts warn that excessive screen time, dwindling physical activity, and digital addiction are fuelling a new wave of behavioural and lifestyle disorders among India’s youth. Addressing the urgent need for greater awareness of internet safety, Sanjay Ghodawat International School (SGIS) is stepping forward as one of the first schools in the country to introduce a comprehensive Internet safety curriculum. This initiative comes at a time when the need for digital safety education has never been more pressing.
While universal mobile and internet access has unlocked unprecedented learning and social opportunities, it has also exposed young people to a labyrinth of threats: cyberbullying, predatory behaviour, privacy violations, misinformation, and the psychological toll of relentless connectivity. Governments worldwide are responding, South Korea’s “Shutdown Law,” China’s strict playtime caps, and Australia’s ban on social media for young children all underline the urgency of protecting the next generation. Closer to home, the Indian government now mandates the removal of flagged deepfake and AI-generated content within hours, signalling a shift from simply widening access to actively safeguarding digital wellbeing.
In response to these evolving challenges, SGIS has designed its Internet safety programme to not only raise awareness but also foster practical skills and responsible habits. Developed in consultation with digital safety experts and educators, the curriculum covers crucial topics such as cyberbullying prevention, social media etiquette, digital footprint management, privacy protection, and identifying online risks like phishing, scams, and misinformation. Lessons are crafted to be interactive and scenario-based, encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, and practice safe behaviours in real-life contexts. Through workshops, role-playing exercises, and real-world case studies, SGIS ensures that students not only learn about risks, but also develop the confidence and competence to respond to them effectively and responsibly.
“Digital literacy is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental life skill,” said Sasmita Mohanty, Director-Principal of SGIS. “Our vision has always been to nurture not just academically strong students, but resilient, ethical, and responsible citizens. In today’s world, that means understanding how to navigate digital spaces safely. By equipping our students with practical Internet safety skills, we’re preparing them for the realities of modern life, both inside and outside the classroom.”
SGIS’s approach goes beyond the classroom, involving parents and guardians through regular workshops and easy-to-understand resource materials. The school recognises that digital safety is a shared responsibility, and by engaging families, it helps reinforce best practices at home. This collaborative model creates a holistic environment where students feel supported and empowered, whether they are online or offline.
Established in 2010 under the stewardship of the Sou. Sushila Danchand Ghodawat Charitable Trust, Sanjay Ghodawat International School, is part of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group’s education arm. With campuses in Kolhapur, Pune, and Belgaum, and offering CBSE, IB Diploma, and Cambridge curricula, SGIS serves a diverse student body and is known for its commitment to holistic education. The school’s mission is to nurture not only academic excellence, but also strong character, creativity, and leadership.
The leadership at SGIS hopes this initiative will inspire other institutions across India to prioritise digital safety and empower students for the challenges of the online era. By setting a new benchmark for digital literacy and student well-being, SGIS demonstrates that education in the 21st century must prepare students for all aspects of life, including the virtual world. Sanjay Ghodawat International School, with campuses in Kolhapur, Pune, and Belgaum, is dedicated to providing world-class education and holistic development to every student.
