New Delhi: More than half of parents and educators are calling for internet safety to be formally included in school curricula, citing growing concerns over online risks faced by students, a recent survey has revealed.
The survey, conducted by Silverline Prestige School, collected responses from 1,800 parents and 300 teachers and examined how rapid digital changes—particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)—are reshaping the way children learn, interact and access information.
According to the findings, 56 per cent of respondents supported the inclusion of internet safety as part of mainstream education. Of these, 32 per cent favoured introducing it as an independent subject with weekly classes, while 24 per cent recommended integrating digital safety lessons into existing subjects such as computer studies.
Naman Jain, Vice Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, described the survey results as a clear signal for urgent action. He noted that today’s students operate in a vastly different digital environment, one increasingly influenced by AI-driven platforms. Emphasising that online safety has become a fundamental life skill, Jain said schools must go beyond academics and equip children with the knowledge required to navigate digital spaces responsibly.
The survey identified cyberbullying as the leading concern, with 34 per cent of participants stressing the need for strong prevention strategies and reporting systems. Protection from harmful content and online predators emerged as the second major concern, highlighted by 29 per cent respondents. Issues related to data privacy and responsible sharing of personal information were flagged by 22 per cent, while 15 per cent focused on managing screen time and addressing digital addiction.
On the question of how often internet safety education should be delivered, 42 per cent of respondents supported monthly sessions, while 35 per cent preferred programmes conducted once every academic term. Sixteen per cent advocated biannual sessions, and only a small minority—7 per cent—felt that annual training would suffice.
The survey also assessed levels of concern and preparedness among parents and teachers. Around 40 per cent said they were extremely worried about students’ exposure to online threats, describing it as a daily issue that requires immediate intervention. Another 24 per cent reported moderate concern.
However, the findings pointed to a significant preparedness gap. Only 12 per cent of respondents felt fully equipped to deal with online safety challenges, while 51 per cent said they were somewhat prepared but required additional training and resources. Nearly one-third admitted they felt ill-prepared and struggled to keep up with rapidly evolving digital technologies.
The survey concluded that while awareness of online risks is high, systematic education and institutional support are essential to ensure students remain safe in an increasingly complex digital world.
