Online Safety for Kids: Scams, Games and Bullying

Many children in India go online on a family phone. Here's how to keep them safe from scams, strangers and bullying, and where to report fast.

Online6 Oct 20264 min read

Scams

Scams aimed at families often start with a child: a "prize" link, a game offering free coins, or a call pretending to be from the school or bank. Teach your child that real companies never ask for an OTP or a PIN, and that any message rushing them to act is a warning sign. Keep UPI, banking and payment apps locked with a PIN your child doesn't know.

Strangers in games and chats

In games and chat apps, some strangers pretend to be children to win a child's trust, then ask for photos or to move the chat somewhere private. Set games and social apps to private, and turn off chat with strangers where you can.

If someone asks your child for photos or threatens them, don't pay and don't reply. Save screenshots, usernames and links, then report it at cybercrime.gov.in, which gives special attention to crimes against women and children.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying hurts even when no one is touched. Help your child block and report the person in the app, save the evidence, and tell the school if classmates are involved.

RememberChildren are more likely to tell you about a problem if they don't expect to lose their phone for it.

If money has goneCall 1930 right away. The faster you report, the better the chance it can be frozen. Suspicious calls and messages can also be reported on sancharsaathi.gov.in. See Where to report.

Sources

Rajya Sabha answer on the 1930 cyber fraud helpline (opens in a new tab) (Ministry of Home Affairs)
National Cyber Crime Reporting Helpline 1930 (opens in a new tab) (Kerala Police)
Lok Sabha answer on cyber frauds, including Sanchar Saathi (opens in a new tab) (Ministry of Home Affairs)

This post is general information. Rules vary by state and school board, so ask your school about its own plan.