Bhubaneswar, April 24: A training programme on “Online Safety for Children” was organised for District Education Officers (DEOs) and ADEOs (Academic) in collaboration with the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) and ChildFund India. Around 80 officials attended the workshop.

OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra inaugurated the programme. She emphasised the growing importance of ensuring children’s safety in the digital space. She highlighted the critical role of the Education Department in protecting children from online risks.

School and Mass Education Secretary Dr. N. Thirumala Naik urged participants to actively spread awareness among children and parents to prevent online exploitation.

Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) State Project Director (SPD) Ananya Das stressed the need to integrate online safety education into the school curriculum.

She suggested using engaging and game-based learning methods to make the subject more accessible and enjoyable for children.

OSEPA Additional Director Sangita Behera discussed the role of institutions like OSEPA and OSCPCR in preventing online abuse and developing strategies to ensure children’s safety in the digital environment.

ChildFund India Director (Programme) Dr. Shrabanti Sen presented findings from a pilot project conducted in Kendrapada on “Online Safety of Children.”

She highlighted key observations and emphasized the importance of coordination among departments such as Home, School & Mass Education, and Women & Child Development to promote online safety in Odisha.

Other dignitaries present at the session included OSCPCR members - Manasmita Khuntia, Kasturi Mishra, and Chandana Das.