Cyber Safety Tips Every Gujarati Family Should Teach Their Children

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  By Gujju Ticks

  17 May, 2025

The digital world is now a need rather than a luxury. Gujarati children are exposed to the internet from an early age through social media, mobile games, and school assignments. However, great connectivity also comes with great responsibility.

Inappropriate content, identity theft, cyberbullying, phishing, and other cybercrimes are becoming more common in India. As a result, teaching children about cyber safety has become essential for Gujarati families.

This blog will discuss age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and practical cyber safety advice that all parents, grandparents, and educators should impart to the next generation. These techniques will enable your kids to safely navigate the internet, whether you're in Rajkot, Ahmedabad, or overseas.

1. Start with Basic Digital Hygiene

We must teach children about digital hygiene in the same way that we teach them to wash their hands before eating. This implies:

  • Using strong passwords (a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters).

  • Logging out of accounts after use.

  • Avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.

  • Not clicking on unknown links or pop-ups.

Tip: Under your watchful eye, encourage children to use a password manager.

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2. Teach the “Never Share” Rule

Children are frequently taught not to speak to strangers in Gujarati culture. Use the same reasoning on the internet. Make it plain that they must never divulge private information, including:

  • Phone numbers

  • Home address

  • School name

  • Bank account details

  • Aadhar card or PAN number

Real-life example: On a gaming platform, a young person in Surat unintentionally revealed their home address, which opened the door to spam and possible dangers.

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3. Explain the Dangers of Social Media

Among young Indians, apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp are very popular. Parents should have candid conversations about:

  • Cyberbullying

  • Fake profiles

  • Inappropriate content

  • Peer pressure

  • Oversharing

Give relatable examples. Say something like, “What you post on the internet is like writing on a wall—it's hard to erase.”

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4. Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings

The built-in parental controls on gaming consoles, YouTube, Netflix, and smartphones are not well known to many Indian parents. Configure them to limit:

  • Explicit content

  • In-app purchases

  • Chat with strangers

Step-by-step tip:

Go to Android Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls → Set content restrictions.

Also, regularly review your child’s privacy settings on social media platforms.

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5. Encourage Open Communication

Gujarati families are renowned for their strong ties to one another. Make use of that strength to establish communication about internet use based on trust. Kids should be at ease reporting:

  • Suspicious messages

  • Online bullying

  • Accidental clicks on shady links

Golden rule: Never make fun of a child for a digital error. Calmly lead and instruct them.

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6. Monitor Screen Time

Particularly in children, excessive screen time can result in mental and physical health issues. Establish explicit guidelines for screen time:

  • No screen during meals

  • Max 2 hours daily for entertainment

  • Use screen time apps for balance

Suggested apps:

  • Google Family Link

  • Qustodio

  • Norton Family

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7. Spot Fake News and Scams

Phishing scams and fake news have increased in India, particularly through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Show your children how to:

  • Verify a source before believing it

  • Never click suspicious links

  • Report scams to parents or authorities

Simple test: Anything that seems "too good to be true," like free iPhones, is most likely not!

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8. Promote Safe Gaming Habits

Gujaratis love playing online games, especially the boys. However, games can also be dangerous:

  • Exposure to violent content

  • In-game purchases without consent

  • Talking to strangers in multiplayer games

Tips for parents:

  • Check game ratings (PEGI or ESRB).

  • Monitor who your child plays with.

  • Avoid letting them use your credit card online.

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9. Cyber Etiquette: Think Before You Click

In the digital age, cyber etiquette, or "netiquette," is just as crucial as table manners. Children should be taught to:

  • Be respectful in chats and emails

  • Avoid sarcasm or offensive language

  • Not forward or share anything without permission

Help them understand that their digital footprint is forever.

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10. Regularly Update Software and Apps

The majority of cyberattacks happen as a result of people ignoring updates. Make sure your child's computer, tablet, or phone is:

  • Running the latest OS version

  • Using updated apps

  • Protected with antivirus software

Set up auto-updates whenever possible.

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Bonus Tip: Attend Cyber Safety Workshops

In Gujarat, a large number of schools and non-governmental organizations now offer free or reasonably priced cyber safety education programs. You can increase your child's comprehension and demonstrate your involvement by taking part in one with them.

Look for workshops by:

  • Cyber Crime Cell, Gujarat Police

  • GESIA IT Association

  • CyberPeace Foundation

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Conclusion: Empower, Don’t Scare

The intention is to empower your child to use the internet responsibly, not to instill fear of it. Cyber literacy must start at home in India, which is rapidly digitizing, particularly among tech-savvy Gujarati families.

Therefore, follow these suggestions, implement them gradually, and—above all—continue to discuss the internet with your child as frequently as you discuss their education, friends, or future.