Introduction

The internet has become an integral part of our lives. From chatting with friends, playing games, shopping online, and even working, everything today is connected to cyberspace. But with these advantages, there is also a dark side – cybercrimes.
Crimes like cyberstalking, online bullying, cyber harassment, child exploitation, and hacking are increasing at a fast pace. To stay safe online, it’s very important to follow some cyber safety and hygiene practices.

In this blog, we will explain simple cyber safety tips for parents, children, teenagers, and even organizations. We’ll also guide you on how to report cybercrimes in India through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Cyber Awareness for Parents

Children are the most vulnerable online. Parents must be careful and proactive.

Talk to your children: Make them aware of online threats like grooming, bullying, or stalking.
Watch for behavior changes: If your child becomes secretive about online activities, it may be a sign of grooming.
Protect against Cyber Grooming: Teach kids not to trust strangers online. Always keep social media accounts private.
Never click suspicious links: Unknown emails or messages may carry viruses or malware.
Cover your webcam: Hackers can misuse webcams to spy.
Use parental controls: Install antivirus with parental control features.
Keep software updated: Outdated apps and systems are easy targets for hackers.
Set secure browser settings: Always browse with updated versions and use safe browsing tools.

Cyber Awareness for Teens and Young Adults

Teenagers are the most active users of social media. Here are simple tips:

Secure your social media: Set privacy settings so only trusted people can see your posts.
Be selective about friend requests: Don’t accept strangers.
Learn to block and report: If someone makes you uncomfortable, block them.
Logout after use: Especially on shared devices.
Protect your phone: Always use a password or fingerprint lock.
Beware of fake accounts: If you find one in your name, report it immediately.
Be careful on video chats: Private calls can be recorded and misused.
Avoid storing sensitive photos/videos: Cloud storage can auto-save your files, and even deleted ones may stay online.
Protect against cyberstalking: Turn off location services, don’t share personal info, and talk to friends/family if you feel unsafe.
Use safe browsing: Never use public Wi-Fi or cyber cafes for banking/shopping.
Wipe data before selling devices: Deleted data can be recovered.
Install apps only from trusted sources like Play Store or App Store.

👉 Remember: Sharing or forwarding Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) is illegal. Report such content immediately at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

The Government of India has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) where anyone can file a complaint online.

What is CSEAM?

Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) refers to images or videos of a child being sexually exploited.

Publishing, browsing, or sharing such content is a punishable offence under Section 67B of the IT Act.
Always report if you come across such content.

What to do if you suspect something (step-by-step)

Stay calm and supportive. Accusations scare children — reassure them they did the right thing by telling you.
Talk privately in a safe environment. Use open questions: “Can you show me the messages?” not “Why did you do that?”
Preserve evidence (see next section).
Do not confront the suspected predator alone — this can escalate risk.
Report to platform: block the user, take screenshots, and use the platform’s report feature.
Report to authorities: for serious threats or CSEAM (child sexual content), report to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or your local police.
Seek support: contact helplines, counsellors, or trusted family members.

Preserve evidence — exactly what to save

Police and platforms need evidence. Preserve without altering:

Screenshots of messages (include usernames and timestamps)
URLs of offending pages or posts
Chat transcripts or exported messages
Video/audio files (do not share publicly)
Phone numbers, user IDs, profile links
Bank or transaction receipts (if financial fraud)
Save original files on a separate device and don’t edit them

Important: Turn off automatic deletion or cloud backup that could remove or overwrite evidence. If asked to upload files to a portal, keep original copies offline too.

Dos & Don’ts when discussing online incidents

Do:

Listen calmly; ask open questions.
Reassure the child — they won’t be punished.
Involve professionals for serious abuse.

Don’t:

Blame or shame the child.
Make them delete evidence before reporting.
Post details publicly — it can spread harm.

Sample message to a platform or police (short template)

“I am a parent of [child’s first name, age]. On [date & time] we found the following: [short description]. Attached are screenshots, URLs and user IDs. I request immediate action. Contact: [your phone/email]. Reference: [any file name].”

(Use this when filing a complaint on social media or on www.cybercrime.gov.in — attach evidence and choose the correct complaint category.)

Small but powerful daily habits

Use family tech rules (hours, apps allowed, no devices at meal/table).
Encourage offline hobbies — sports, reading, friends.
Have weekly “tech check” time to review settings together.
Praise safe behaviour; reward transparency.
Cyber Safety for Teens and Young Adults

Why teens are at higher risk online

Teenagers and young adults spend the most time on social media, gaming platforms, and video apps. This makes them easy targets for cyberbullying, fake accounts, grooming, stalking, and scams. Good news: with the right habits, you can still enjoy the internet while staying safe.

Spotting fake accounts & impersonation

Fake profiles often:

Use too few photos or stolen images
Have very few mutual friends
Message you with strange links or compliments
Ask for private info quickly

What to do:

Do not respond or engage.
Block immediately.
Report the profile to the platform.
If it’s impersonating you, tell your friends not to interact and report it as “impersonation.”

Video chat & call safety

Video calls can be fun, but also risky. Private calls have been recorded and leaked online.

Be mindful of background: Don’t reveal your home address, school uniform, or personal items.
Dress appropriately: Avoid situations that could be misused.
Never accept calls from strangers: If it feels shady, reject it.
Assume you’re being recorded: Act as if the camera is always saving the video.

Sensitive photos & cloud dangers

Many cyber incidents happen when private photos/videos are leaked.

Never use smartphones for sensitive content: Phones are connected to the internet and cloud storage.
Cloud auto-sync: Even if you delete a photo, it might remain in cloud backup.
What to do if one exists: Delete it from the phone, cloud, and any linked devices. Ask the person to remove it too.

👉 Rule: If you don’t want it shared publicly, don’t record it at all.

Protect yourself from cyberstalking

Cyberstalkers repeatedly message, follow, or monitor you online.

Disable location services: Turn off “share location” on social apps.
Check your tags: Don’t allow strangers to tag you in posts.
Don’t overshare routines: Avoid posting “live” updates like “I’m at XYZ café now.” Post later.
Keep evidence: Save messages, screenshots, and profiles of stalkers.
Talk to someone you trust: Don’t handle stalkers alone.
Report to police via cybercrime.gov.in if it continues.

Smart browsing habits

When shopping, banking, or entering personal details:

Use only your own devices and trusted networks.
Avoid public Wi-Fi or cyber cafés for sensitive browsing.
Always check for “https://” in the web address.
Don’t save passwords in browsers on shared computers.

Device & account safety checklist

Lock your phone with PIN/Pattern/Face ID.
Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on email, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
Install apps only from trusted sources (Play Store, App Store).
Update software and apps regularly.
Erase all data before selling or repairing devices.
Back up important files.

Reporting CSEAM (Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material)

If you receive CSEAM (child sexual abuse content), do not share it further.
Report immediately on www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Inform the sender that sharing such content is illegal.

What to do if you are harassed online (step-by-step)

Don’t panic: Stay calm and don’t reply in anger.
Block the person on social media or messaging apps.
Save evidence: Screenshots, messages, or emails.
Report on the platform: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. have report options.
Tell someone you trust: Friend, sibling, parent, or teacher.
Report to cybercrime.gov.in if it’s serious harassment, stalking, or blackmail.

Real-life scenario — how to handle it

Case: A teenager receives a video chat request from a stranger promising “fun.” After refusing, the stranger threatens to leak fake photos.

What to do:

Don’t engage.
Take screenshots of chat and ID.
Block and report to platform.
Inform parents/trusted adult.
File complaint at cybercrime.gov.in under “Cyberstalking/Online Harassment.”

How to Report Cybercrime on cybercrime.gov.in

1. Why reporting is important

Many victims stay silent out of fear or shame (especially in cases of harassment, blackmail, or fraud). But silence only empowers criminals. Reporting:

Helps you get legal protection
Prevents criminals from targeting more people
Builds stronger cyber law enforcement

👉 Rule: Never ignore — always report.

2. Where to report cybercrime in India

The official portal is: www.cybercrime.gov.in
It is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

You can also:

Dial 1930 (cyber helpline) for immediate financial fraud reporting.
Visit your nearest police station (they cannot refuse your complaint under IT Act).

3. Step-by-step guide to file a complaint online

Step 1: Visit the portal

Go to cybercrime.gov.in and click on “File a Complaint.”

Step 2: Choose complaint type

Report Women/Child Related Crime (for harassment, stalking, obscene content, CSEAM).
Report Other Cybercrime (for fraud, hacking, phishing, etc.).

Step 3: Create an account

Enter your mobile number + OTP verification.
Register with your name, state, and email ID.

Step 4: Fill complaint details

Select category of crime (fraud, harassment, identity theft, etc.).
Provide incident details (date, time, platform, username, phone number, etc.).
Upload screenshots, chat logs, transaction receipts, or video evidence.

Step 5: Submit

After review, click Submit. You will receive an Acknowledgment Number to track the case.

4. Documents & evidence you may need

For bank fraud: transaction receipt, bank statement, SMS alerts.
For social media harassment: profile link, screenshots, chat history.
For emails scams: full email header + message.
For CSEAM: screenshot + file details (do not forward content).

5. How to track your complaint

Login to cybercrime.gov.in with your registered ID.
Go to “Check Status” option.
Enter your Acknowledgment Number.
Status updates will be shown (Forwarded to Police, Under Review, etc.).

6. If it’s urgent (like fraud in progress)

Immediately call 1930 helpline (Cyber Financial Fraud Helpline).
Inform your bank to freeze the account/card.
File complaint online within 24 hours for better chances of fund recovery.

7. Tips while filing a complaint

✅ Always use factual and clear language.
✅ Do not exaggerate or add assumptions.
✅ Upload proper evidence files (screenshots, PDFs).
✅ Keep a copy of your complaint acknowledgment.
✅ If local police refuses, you can approach State Cyber Cells or file online again.

8. Real-life example

A college student received blackmail threats after sharing photos with a fake online friend. Instead of staying silent, she reported on cybercrime.gov.in under “Women/Child Related Crimes.” The police traced the culprit within weeks and took action.

👉 Lesson: Reporting works. Don’t be afraid.

9. Quick FAQ on cybercrime reporting

Q: Can I file a complaint anonymously?
A: Yes, in cases involving child/sexual abuse, you can file anonymously.

Q: Is there a fee for filing complaints?
A: No. Filing on cybercrime.gov.in is 100% free.

Q: Do I need to visit the police station after online complaint?
A: Sometimes yes, if they need your statement or extra evidence.

Q: What if my complaint is rejected?
A: You can re-file with better evidence or approach higher cyber cells.

10. Checklist before you file

Gather all evidence (screenshots, receipts).
Note date, time, platform, and user ID of the incident.
Inform your bank (if fraud).
Visit cybercrime.gov.in and file complaint.
Save acknowledgment number for tracking.

Why cyber safety matters for everyone

From kids with smartphones to CEOs of big companies, no one is safe from cybercrime.

Parents must guide children.
Teens must protect their online presence.
Organizations must safeguard data and employees.

👉 The common thread: Awareness + Hygiene + Reporting = Cyber Safety.

Key emergency numbers & portals

Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Cyber Helpline Number (India): 1930
Local Police Station: Always available for filing FIRs
Women/Child Related Crime Reporting: Anonymous option on portal

Final golden rules of cyber hygiene

Pause before you click. Most attacks start with a single careless click.
Don’t overshare online. Your privacy is your power.
Stranger = Danger, even on the internet.
Update devices regularly. Old software = easy target.
Report every crime. Silence helps criminals, reporting stops them.

Final FAQs

Q: What is the most common cybercrime in India?
A: Financial fraud (UPI scams, OTP theft, fake links) tops the list.

Q: Can kids file cybercrime complaints?
A: Yes, but preferably with help from parents/guardians.

Q: What if my money was stolen online?
A: Immediately call 1930 + inform your bank + file complaint on cybercrime.gov.in within 24 hrs.

Q: How do I know if a website is safe?
A: Look for https://, a lock icon, and trusted payment gateways.

Q: What happens after filing a cyber complaint?
A: Police review it, contact you if needed, and investigate further. You can track status online.

Closing Message

The internet is like a city — full of opportunities, but also with dark alleys. Whether you’re a parent, teen, or organization, the power of safety lies in your hands. By practicing awareness, maintaining cyber hygiene, and reporting crimes, you make not only yourself but also the digital world safer for everyone.

Also read-SBI Online Banking Fraud Policy 2025