NEWS

The Karnataka government has launched the Digital Nagarik programme across all government primary and high schools to empower students with essential knowledge on:

• Safe Internet usage
• Cyber safety rules
• Online etiquette
• Digital rights and responsibilities
• Data privacy and digital wellbeing

The initiative targets 10 lakh students from Classes 6–10 and 1 lakh teachers statewide.

HIGHLIGHTS

Why the Initiative Matters

• Surge in smartphone and Internet use among children, especially post-pandemic
• Increased exposure to online risks such as:
  • Cyberbullying
  • Phishing attempts
  • Image morphing
• Lack of adequate monitoring of students’ online activity
• Growing need for structured digital-safety education

Programme Implementation Strategy

Collaborative Model

• Jointly implemented by the Karnataka government, Union Ministry of Education, and Meta.
• Builds on a successful 2024-25 pilot in the districts of:
  • Bengaluru
  • Mysuru
  • Belagavi
  • Dakshina Kannada

Teacher Training First

• 1,00,000 teachers to be trained via the DISHA portal.
• Training began on November 15.
• Trained teachers will cascade learning to students in their respective schools.

Student Engagement Activities

Schools will conduct a series of activities under the programme:

• Awareness campaigns and classroom sessions
• Poster competitions
• Student-led digital-safety drives
• Use of a dedicated Digital Nagarik Toolkit for guidance

Digital Nagarik Ambassadors

• Schools will nominate student leaders as Digital Nagarik Ambassadors.
• They will spearhead activities promoting safe online behaviour.
• Top schools and ambassadors will receive recognition for outstanding contributions.