Shillong, October 06: An Awareness Programme on Social Networking and Cyber Crime for the Higher Secondary Schools and Colleges was organized by District Child Protection Unit, West Garo Hills, Tura in collaboration with State Child Protection Society, (ICPS), Shillong under Integrated Child Protection Scheme, Social Welfare Department today at District Auditorium, West Garo Hills Tura.
Speaking on the inaugural function, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mr. D D Shira expressed hope that this awareness programme on crimes associated with internet based modern technology would prove beneficial especially to the student community of the region. Emphasizing the role and responsibilities of teachers and parents he stated that children’s behavior should be monitored carefully and proper guidance should be given to them always and whenever necessary. Further, he advised the students to learn their lessons with determination and dedication and also directed them to use social networking sites cautiously in order to prevent themselves from falling prey to the ill-effects of internet related activities in their future career.
In the technical session, Mr. B P D Marak, Inspector, Mr. D Marak, Sub-Inspector and Mr. I Jyrwa, Sub-Inspector, resource persons from CID Branch, Meghalaya Police, Shillong explained in detailed about cyber crime, different types of cyber crime, guidelines and safety measures to the students present. During the power point presentation by the resource persons, the statistics of registered cyber crime cases in Meghalaya reflected as 17 cases in 2012, 32 cases in 2013, 80 cases in 2014, 64 cases in 2015 and 29 cases in 2016. However, after the interaction with the resource persons it was revealed that even though cyber crime is increasing rapidly, people are reluctant to come forward for filing complaints to the police. It was also informed that school and college students are common victims to these attacks.
Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Ms. V A Sangma, Members CWC, Dr. Y M Sangma, Ms. P W Ingty, staff of DCPU, Tura and ICPS, Shilong, teachers and students of different schools in and around the town attended the programme.
Other highlights of the day include role play related to cyber crime performed by students of Masters of Social Work from Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong and Mason Phillips Academy, Tura.
