BHUBANESWAR: To sensitize students and teachers on the use of
social media, the
Odisha Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA) will conduct a programme in all the state-run upper-primary and high schools on April 17.
"Social media is accessible to schoolchildren but due to lack of awareness, they misuse it. We have come across a number of cases where the use of social media has put children in trouble," said the state project director of OPEPA, B S Poonia.
In a letter, OPEPA has asked all district project coordinators to conduct the programme for students of classes VI to X in the last two periods of the day. Parents will also be part of the campaign. The headmasters of the schools have been asked to send photographs of the meeting.
"Due to the easy availability of smartphones and the internet, children are vulnerable to various kinds of cybercrime, especially online bullying. Parents have a very important role to play in guiding their children on how to use social media safely," said Poonia.
OPEPA has sent some materials to the headmasters and a set of tentative topics for discussion on April 17. Besides, a feedback form has been given to the parents.
