The Education Ministry organised a national online workshop on Mental Health and Cyber Security on World Mental Health Day yesterday. Speaking at the occasion, Professor in the Psychiatry Department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi Dr. Rajesh Sagar provided valuable insights into prevalent mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. He emphasised that around 50 percent of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 14.

 

 

Dr. Sagar identified common stressors, including academic pressure, parental conflicts, and bullying. During the workshop, he shared effective coping strategies, such as deep breathing and cognitive restructuring, to foster a happier childhood. In another session, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav, has highlighted the importance of cyber hygiene and security for children.

 

 

She outlined preventive measures against cyberbullying, grooming, and fraudulent online gaming applications. She also encouraged students to report cyber fraud through the helpline 1930 and stressed the importance of responsible internet use, parental awareness, and safeguarding personal information.