: Voices for Change: Children Unite to Champion Digital Safety and Child Rights

Children are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active stakeholders in shaping a safer and more inclusive society today. With this vision, a two-day Orientation on Cyber Security and Children's Manifesto Preparation was organised at Seva Kendra, Siliguri, with the support of Caritas. The programme brought together children from seven districts across West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh, providing them with a unique platform to learn, collaborate, and raise their collective voice on issues affecting their lives.

The workshop combined interactive orientation sessions with participatory discussions on children's rights, leadership, and meaningful participation. Through group activities and collaborative exercises, the participants reflected on the challenges faced by children in their communities and explored ways to articulate their aspirations through the development of a Children's Manifesto.

A key highlight of the programme was a cyber-security awareness session conducted by officials from the Police Commissionerate. The session addressed the growing challenges of the digital age, including cyber fraud, identity theft, online trafficking, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation. Participants were introduced to practical strategies for protecting their personal information, recognising online risks, and using digital platforms responsibly and safely.

The interactive nature of the sessions encouraged children to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another, helping them develop confidence in navigating the digital world while understanding their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens.

Beyond enhancing awareness of online safety, the programme empowered children to actively participate in shaping the Children's Manifesto – a collective document reflecting their concerns, aspirations, and recommendations for creating safer and more child-friendly communities. Their thoughtful contributions underscored the importance of listening to children's voices and involving them in decisions that affect their lives.

The orientation concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the participants, who returned to their respective districts equipped with greater knowledge, stronger leadership skills, and a shared commitment to promoting child rights, digital safety, and meaningful participation within their communities.

“Empowering children to lead, participate, and stay safe in the digital world.”

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