Safer Internet Day 2026: NGO launches campaign to address online harm among students

On Safer Internet Day, Girl Effect India launched Tipi Tipi Talk, a school-based programme designed to help students talk openly about online safety and deal with digital harm. The initiative was rolled out in 45 schools across Delhi, reaching nearly 45,000 students, and focuses on tackling technology-facilitated gender-based violence, also known as TechHinsa. The first session under the programme is called TechHinsa Talk. It is part of Girl Effect India’s larger India vs Tech Hinsa campaign, which addresses the rising misuse of technology and online spaces, especially against girls and young users.

Bringing digital safety into classrooms
Tipi Tipi Talk programme, designed for students in Classes 8 to 12, encourages students to speak about issues that concern them, build confidence, and learn how to behave safely and respectfully online. As part of the initiative, schools will set up Digital Safety Clubs. Selected students will be trained as Digital Safety Ambassadors to lead conversations, guide peers, and promote safer online practices within their school communities. It uses animated films, real-life examples, and guided discussions to explain topics such as online safety, consent, privacy, technology-facilitated harm, and respectful behaviour.

Why the focus on online harm
Children and adolescents are spending more time online, often from a very young age. Globally, one-third of all internet users are children. In India, around 15% of active internet users are between the ages of 5 and 11.


This growing access has also led to a rise in online harm. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau show that cybercrimes reported against women increased from 8,379 cases in 2019 to 14,409 cases in 2022, a rise of 71%. Cybercrimes against children rose from 305 cases in 2019 to 1,823 cases in 2022, marking a 497% increase over the same period.

These trends highlight the need for early and open conversations about digital safety.